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阅读理解
A large daily dose of vitamin D can cut the risk of developing some common cancers by as much as 50 percent．
The study reviewed 63 studies published worldwide between 1966 and 2004 that linked vitamin D levels to cancer risk．Scientists said analysis showed that the “natural” form of the vitamin, known as D3, could dramatically reduce one's chances of developing common cancers, for example, by 50 percent in colon cancer and by 30 percent in breast and ovarian cancer．
Paula Bokser considers the so-called “sunshine vitamin” a key weapon that helped her fight breast cancer．She grappled with the illness twice in six years and during her treatment her doctor recommended vitamin D．
“There are so many things when you are dealing with cancer that you feel powerless,” Bokser said．“Maybe taking the vitamins gives me a bit more power…you know it's another fighting agent．”
The study concluded that taking 1,000 international units(IU)of the vitamin daily could cut an individual's cancer risk by as much as 50 percent．The study found that survival rates for darker-skinned people with breast, colon, prostate and ovarian cancers are worse than that for white people because the high melatonin content in darker skin reduces its ability to produce vitamin D．In the absence of sunshine, a beneficial level of vitamin D can be obtained from food and daily supplements．
While D3 is normally produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight, it can also be obtained from dietary sources, such as oily fish, eggs and meat．
“There is evidence to suggest that the vitamin plays a role in keeping cells healthy．But further research is needed to understand what role vitamin D may play in preventing cancer in humans,” said Sara Hiom, head of health information at Cancer Research UK．
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