Published on March 25, 2022
Video Friday: A Mayo Clinic video explains multiple sclerosis, naming low vitamin D and lack of sun exposure as the first discussed risk factors
Key Points
- Low vitamin D and low levels of sun exposure are associated with an increased risk of developing MS and a greater chance of having more severe symptoms once a diagnosis is made
- Dr. Cicero G. Coimbra, a medical doctor in Brazil, has been able to suppress disease activity in about 95% of MS cases with variable (individually tailored) high daily doses of vitamin D; as the protocol aims at regulating the immune system, it has been similarly effective in treating several other autoimmune diseases
- In addition to vitamin D, he also prescribes several other supplements including vitamin B2, magnesium, and omega-3 DHA; a diet excluding calcium; and extra fluids
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, auto-immune disease that affects more than two million people worldwide. The disease is characterized by antibodies that attack the nervous system, leaving the brain unable to communicate with the rest of the body. Typical symptoms include fatigue, numbness and tingling, vision problems, and problems with coordination, memory, and concentration. Studies have linked both low vitamin D status and low sun exposure with an increased risk for MS.
The following video by the Mayo Clinic provides a great explanation of MS, the risk factors, symptoms, treatments, and more. It also discusses low vitamin D and low levels of sun exposure as being associated with an increased risk of developing MS and a greater chance of having more severe symptoms once a diagnosis is made.
Dr. Coimbra’s Protocol to Address MS and Other Autoimmune Diseases
Dr. Cicero G. Coimbra, a medical doctor in Brazil, has been able to suppress disease activity in about 95% of MS cases with variable (individually tailored) high daily doses of vitamin D. The doses are set according to the results of laboratory tests in order to compensate for that individual’s degree of genetic vitamin D resistance. This resistance seems to underlie the predisposition to (and maintenance of) autoimmune aggression. As the protocol aims at regulating the immune system, it has been similarly effective in treating several other autoimmune diseases.
The average initial dose of vitamin D for patients in this treatment protocol is about 1000 IU/day per kg of body weight. In addition to vitamin D, he also prescribes several other supplements including vitamin B2, magnesium, and omega-3 DHA; a diet excluding calcium; and extra fluids (minimum 2.5 L/day). After 2-3 months, the daily dose of vitamin D is adjusted in response to changes in laboratory test results. After one year the daily dose is further adjusted to compensate for adaptive changes of vitamin D metabolism (not unusual in patients receiving high doses), until a stable level of laboratory parameters is reached for that individual patient, the point at which vitamin D has reached its maximum immunological effect. This is usually achieved at the third or fourth medical appointment, after 2 years on vitamin D therapy.
The blood work that Coimbra is most interested in is the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH production is inhibited by vitamin D and his research has shown that vitamin D immune benefit is maximized when circulating PTH has reached the lower limit of its normal range. Achieving that level of PTH requires variable daily doses of vitamin D because biological resistance to vitamin D is different for each person. PTH values are also used as a safety gauge, as vitamin D intoxication cannot occur if PTH is not fully suppressed. He carefully monitors blood and urinary calcium, to avoid kidney stones. A calcium restricted diet and minimal daily hydration of 2.5 L are imperative precautions to avoid those potential side-effects. He also administers high doses of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). A significant part of the world population (10-15%) are not able to absorb enough vitamin B2 from normal daily doses to enable the chemical reactions within the body that convert D3 into the working form of vitamin D for immune function – 1,25HydroxyD.
After his patients have maintained the desired PTH level for 2-3 months, most if not all of the symptoms are gone, depending on whether permanent disabilities were already established before the beginning of vitamin D therapy. They are considered to be in remission as they no longer have relapses, nor new lesions in their MRI images. They no longer expect to be blind or paraplegic, or to become disabled. They have their life back!
After the third or fourth appointment, Coimbra recommends his patients return in 2 years and again in 5 years for a review appointment and to make sure that no further adjustment of their vitamin D dosage is necessary.
Visit the Coimbra website for more information or to find a qualified healthcare provider.
In Depth Review of How Vitamin D Treats Autoimmune Disorders
Another great video, presented by Dr. Renu Mahtani, MD, FMNM, founder of the Autoimmunity Treatment Centre, covers the key points of the Coimbra Protocol. Please take a moment to watch and share her video as well.
Check to Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Vitamin D and Other Important Nutrients
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Choose which additional nutrients to measure, such as your omega-3s and essential minerals including magnesium and zinc, by creating your custom home test kit today. Take steps to improve the status of each of these measurements to benefit your overall health. With measurement you can then determine how much is needed and steps to achieve your goals. You can also track your own intakes, symptoms and results to see what works best for YOU.
Enroll in D*action and Test Your Levels Today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
