INCREASED exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new study by researchers in Truro.

Scientists from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at Treliske, along with several Australian institutions, found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight were at greater risk of developing food allergies and the skin condition compared to those in areas with higher UV.

The team used data from a study of Australian children and analysed how rates of food allergy, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country.

The results showed on average children in the south of the country were twice as likely to develop eczema as those in the north.

The report builds upon existing evidence that suggests exposure to the sun may play a role in tackling rising levels of food allergy and eczema. Sunlight provides the fuel to create vitamin D in the skin and locations closer to the Equator typically receive higher levels of sunshine.

Nick Osborne, who led the research, believed the findings provided an important insight into the prevalence of food allergies and eczema, which appear to be on the increase.

Dr Osborne said exposure to sunlight can vary because of local climate variations and behaviours and these factors also needed to be considered.

He said: "We're hoping to study these effects at a much finer scale and examine which factors, such as temperature, infectious disease or vitamin D, are the main drivers of this relationship."