Observational studies suggest a relationship between higher vitamin D levels and lower colon cancer risk, and a new study seems to explain why, The New York Times reports.

According to researchers, the research published in the journal Gut suggests that the sunshine vitamin works with the immune system to prevent malignant tumor growth. More specifically, researchers now believe vitamin D activates T cells that recognize and attack cancer cells. The study included 318 people who had developed colorectal cancer and 624 controls and found that those with high vitamin D levels were less likely to develop colorectal tumors.

“This study really shows that vitamin D has an effect on immunity,” said senior author of the study Dr. Shuji Ogino. “And it’s the first study to show that in a human population. Vitamin D boosts immunity not just in cancer, but in fighting infections as well.”

Click here to read more from The New York Times blog.

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