Vitamin D3, high-dose vitamin D3 therapy and magnesium
D-light-full vitamin D products and food supplements are primarily developed for ultra-high-dose vitamin D3 treatment of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. They are also used in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency – under medical supervision. Here you will find answers to frequently-asked questions to do with vitamin D3, vitamin D deficiency and ultra-high-dose vitamin D3 therapy in accordance with the Coimbra Protocol.
What causes vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can occur in people whose skin is not regularly exposed to sunlight. However, above-average numbers of chronically ill people suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Moreover, recent research findings indicate that genetic changes can disrupt the formation, enzymatic conversion and hormonal activation of vitamin D in our cells.
Why is vitamin D important?
Most people associate vitamin D with the formation of healthy bones and the prevention of osteoporosis. A less well-known fact is that vitamin D plays a special role in regulating the immune system and in healthy cell metabolism. For instance, vitamin D deficiency can, at the very least, provide favourable conditions for wound healing disorders and autoimmune diseases. Numerous studies (see sources) have also demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of cancer.
Sources:
• National Library of Medicine: “Vitamin D supplementation and total cancer incidence and mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” [Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30796437/]
• Further information about vitamin D can be found, e.g. at https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/ and http://drholick.com/.
What is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3?
There are five different types of vitamin D. The two most important ones are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 is the D vitamin that the skin produces when exposed to sunlight. Unlike the other D vitamins, vitamin D3 in the form of food supplements is very easily absorbed by the human body. In addition, vitamin D3 is stored more effectively in the cells. And vitamin D3 has two more advantages: it can be converted into its active form much faster than vitamin D2, and it has a much longer half-life, which means the positive effect lasts longer.
Why should you only use high-dose vitamin D3 under medical supervision?
Treatment with high-dose vitamin D3 has not been approved as a standard medical treatment, despite numerous positive reports and encouraging research results. Moreover, in certain circumstances, there is a risk of hypercalcemia (excessive calcium), since vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. This happens rarely but can be life-threatening. We therefore advise in the strongest terms against self-medication with high-dose vitamin D3. High-dose vitamin D3 treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor with experience in this area.
How serious is the risk of hypercalcemia?
Experienced vitamin D researchers recommend a blood level of 40 to 60 ng/ml of vitamin D (see source). Higher levels are recommended in some cases for chronically ill patients. The risk of vitamin D poisoning (toxicity) or hypercalcemia has so far only been observed with a blood level above 150 ng/ml. Nevertheless, we repeat: Safe vitamin D supplementation with high-dose vitamin D3 should always be carried out under the supervision of a competent doctor! Source: “Why the optimal requirement for Vitamin D3 is probably much higher than what is officially recommended for adults” [Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15225842/]
Recommendations for vitamin D3 dosage
Vitamin D researchers like Dr Michael Holick, Dr Bruce Hollis and Dr Reinhold Vieth recommend long-term daily supplementation with 10,000 IU vitamin D for people with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set a tolerable upper intake level of 100 µg (4,000 IU) per day for adults. The American Endocrine Society even considers an intake of up to 250 µg of vitamin D3 per day (10,000 IU) to be harmless for healthy adults.
What dose of vitamin D3 should be used to treat vitamin D deficiency?
In the event of vitamin D deficiency, a daily dose of 10,000 IU may not always be sufficient to achieve a vitamin D level of 40 to 60 ng/ml. In this case, stoss therapy with ultra-high-dose vitamin D3 can be used – only under medical supervision – to replenish the body’s vitamin D level. Stoss therapy involves administering a very high daily dose (25,000 IU) of vitamin D3 over a limited period of time, after which the daily dose is reduced to 10,000 IU to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D in the blood.
Why are our vitamin D products supplied in crystalline form instead of dissolved in oil?
We decided against carrier oils to protect the vitamin D capsules against oxidation, to satisfy the highest hypoallergenic standards and to enable us to offer exclusively vegan products. For optimum absorption we use a special cholecalciferol with a natural lanolin residue. This natural oil from sheep’s wool (the source of cholecalciferol) provides a natural ‘micro oil encapsulation’. This gives the vitamin D from D-light-full a very good level of bioavailability. Certified Coimbra Protocol doctors and scientific institutes in Germany use it to guarantee a stable dosage form. Nevertheless, we advise that you always take vitamin D with oily food or in combination with a high-quality oil, such as vegan omega 3 capsules, to support the flow of bile, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin D.
Can the vitamin D capsules be damaged by heat, e.g. if they are shipped in the summer?
The thermal stability of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is extremely high. In theory, you could even bake it or boil it without reducing its efficacy. Since D-light-full does not dissolve its vitamin D in oil or enclose it in gelatine capsules, and instead supplies crystalline vitamin D in vegan HPMC capsules, the vitamin D is completely unaffected by temperature fluctuations. However, it should be stored in an airtight manner in the original packaging, away from direct sunlight.
Why does D-light-full sell other food supplements?
Our bodies need various cofactors, like magnesium and B vitamins, for the enzymatic conversion of vitamin D to its active form. When following high-dose vitamin D therapy for autoimmune diseases under medical supervision, patients are therefore recommended to take additional food supplements to support healthy immune system function and good cell metabolism. In North and South America and in Italy, the cofactors for the Coimbra Protocol are available in combination capsules, but combination capsules have not been available in Germany until now. D-light-full is the first company in the German-speaking world to offer the recommended cofactors in a practical combination capsule: D-light-full Cofactors Immun.
Why does the magnesium complex combine several different forms of magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the body and in all metabolic processes. 60% of the magnesium in the body is found in the skeleton and 30% in the muscles. As well as playing an essential role in bone mineralisation and the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses, magnesium is a key player in all enzymatic processes involved in constructive and destructive metabolism.[1] We need a sufficient level of magnesium in our blood and tissues to convert vitamin D to its active form and for it to have an effect at cell level. Magnesium deficiency is widespread as a result of a decline in the nutritional value of food, overcooking, chronic disease and the effect of medicines, drugs, alcohol and caffeine consumption. Studies show that the bioavailability and absorption of organic magnesium compounds are better in the short term than for inorganic magnesium compounds.[2] However, inorganic magnesium oxide is absorbed more slowly and has a very high elemental magnesium content, meaning it can help ensure optimum long-term magnesium provision. In addition, each of the magnesium forms we use has its own special effect:
• Magnesium citrate has proved effective in scientific studies for preventing the formation of kidney stones and the calcification of blood vessels.[3] But since it can cause diarrhoea in people with sensitive guts, we have combined it with other forms of magnesium.
• Magnesium malate plays a key role in energy metabolism in the cells and is used primarily for enzymatic processes in the mitochondria, and can therefore help reduce tiredness and fatigue.[4]
• Magnesium (bis)glycinate is one of the best bioavailable forms of magnesium, even though it does not contain a particularly high level of elemental magnesium. The chelated form of magnesium combined with glycine, an amino acid, actively supports absorption through the intestinal wall without irritating the sensitive mucous membranes. In trials, magnesium glycinate has been shown to have a particularly good effect on the nervous system and mental health: it can help improve memory, alleviate depression, improve sleep and can have a calming effect on anxiety and panic disorders.[5]
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30761462
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28073210 und https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29738375
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30761462
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786
Vitamin D resistance
High-dose Coimbra Protocol therapy Scientific research (see source) indicates that some people need much higher levels of vitamin D in their blood to be healthy. For instance, some people cannot make enough vitamin D even in the sun because of a hereditary predisposition. And for hereditary reasons, some people are unable to convert vitamin D into its active hormonal form. These people rely on long-term supplementation with sufficiently high doses of vitamin D. Source: “The concept of the personal vitamin D response index” [Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28034764/]
The high-dose therapy developed by Dr Cicero G. Coimbra
If you have an autoimmune disease, you may be considered suitable for medical treatment involving ultra-high-dose vitamin D therapy developed by Dr Cicero G. Coimbra. Known as the Coimbra Protocol, this treatment is based on the hypothesis that people with autoimmune diseases have a genetic vitamin D resistance. As a consequence, according to the explanatory model, the immune system is derailed and attacks the body’s own tissues. Dr Coimbra conducts research in the field of vitamin D and diseases of the brain (e.g. Parkinson’s) and of the immune system (e.g. multiple sclerosis). Since 2002, he has been treating patients with autoimmune diseases using vitamin D and other cofactors. According to his own figures, he achieves long-term remission, i.e. stops the progression of the disease, in around 70% to 90% of treated cases. And in some cases, more recent symptoms are reversed. Source: “Vitamin D Resistance as a Possible Cause of Autoimmune Diseases: A Hypothesis Confirmed by a Therapeutic High-Dose Vitamin D Protocol” (Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.655739/full)
Coimbra Protocol
Doctors Since 2012, more than 160 doctors around the world have been trained in how to apply the Coimbra Protocol. Their addresses can be found online on Google Maps: COIMBRA PROTOCOL DOCTORS
Additional information on the Coimbra Protocol can be found at www.coimbraprotokoll.de (in German) and www.coimbraprotocol.com (in English).