早在19世纪,研究人员就已发现太阳光或鱼肝油能预防代谢性骨疾病,即佝偻病。鱼肝油中所含有的抗佝偻病物质被称之为维生素D,亦被称作日光维生素(sunshine Vitamin)。尽管维生素D的典型作用在于帮助吸收和利用钙和磷酸盐,但对其在细胞分化、增殖以及免疫应答中的作用的认识导致人们将其看作为一种可预防某些癌症和自身免疫性疾病的保护剂。 As early as the 19th century, researchers have found that sunlight or cod liver oil can prevent metabolic bone disease, rickets. Anti-rickets substances contained in cod liver oil are called vitamin D, also known as sunshine vitamin. Although the typical role of vitamin D in assisting in the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphate, its understanding of its role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and immune responses has led to its identification as a disease that can prevent certain cancers and autoimmune diseases Of protective agent.