Is it healthier to be born near the equator since depression and multiple sclerosis and gastrointestinal disease and vitamin D deficiency all increase in prevalence as distance from the equator grows?

Answer 1

There are some benefits, like those self-mentioned in the question, of living in the equator, but there are also downsides. At the equator it is very hot all year, and the risk of getting various skin cancers increases tremendously. If you live near the equator, be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen when you go out, however, go out with no sunscreen on for about 10 minutes a day to get some of that much-needed vitamin D. No matter where you live, this rule of thumb can apply to you. Therefore, the answer is, balance the benefits and risks of living near the equator, and choose accordingly.