What Is the Coimbra Protocol?
The Coimbra Protocol is an alternative medical treatment developed to manage autoimmune diseases using high-dose vitamin D3, alongside lifestyle changes and nutritional support. Named after its creator, Dr. Cicero Galli Coimbra, this protocol is designed to modulate the immune system rather than simply suppressing it — the approach taken by many conventional therapies.
Unlike typical supplementation, the Coimbra Protocol uses vitamin D in pharmacological (very high) doses tailored to each individual, aiming to reset immune function rather than merely mask symptoms.
Dr. Cicero Galli Coimbra
Dr. Cicero Coimbra is a Brazilian neurologist and medical researcher, currently based at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). With decades of experience in neurology, his clinical work and research have increasingly focused on autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS).
Motivated by the observed limitations of standard therapies and the potential of vitamin D in immune regulation, Dr. Coimbra developed this protocol in the early 2000s. His approach builds on emerging evidence suggesting that vitamin D deficiency and genetic resistance to its effects may be central in autoimmune disease expression.
History and Evolution of the Protocol
The Coimbra Protocol first gained attention in Brazil and later in Europe through patient testimonials and advocacy, especially among those living with multiple sclerosis, lupus, psoriasis, and other immune-mediated disorders.
Initially tested in MS patients who were non-responsive to standard drugs, Dr. Coimbra began to observe marked clinical improvements — often reductions in relapse rates and progression — by using targeted, high-dose vitamin D therapy. Over the years, the protocol was refined with strict lab testing and monitoring protocols to reduce risks associated with vitamin D toxicity.
Today, Coimbra-certified practitioners operate globally, offering individualised treatment plans based on the protocol's principles.
What Conditions Is the Coimbra Protocol Used to Treat?
Though not a cure, the Coimbra Protocol is reported by its proponents to significantly alleviate symptoms and progression of several chronic autoimmune diseases, including:
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Type 1 Diabetes (in early stages)
Vitiligo
Crohn’s Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Patients often begin the protocol after years of conventional treatments that offer only partial relief or come with serious side effects. Many report improved quality of life, reduced flare-ups, and better disease management.
How the Coimbra Protocol Works
At its core, the protocol aims to address vitamin D resistance, a condition in which the body’s vitamin D receptors (VDRs) do not respond effectively to normal levels of the vitamin. To overcome this, the protocol uses high-dose vitamin D3 — sometimes over 50,000 IU daily — depending on individual responsiveness, lab results, and disease severity.
But vitamin D is just one part of the protocol. It also includes:
Magnesium (to support enzymatic functions and calcium balance)
Vitamin K2 (to prevent calcium from depositing in arteries and soft tissues)
Omega-3 fatty acids (for anti-inflammatory support)
B2 and B12 (for neurological and immune function)
Strict dietary changes (particularly a low-calcium diet)
Regular blood and urine tests (to monitor kidney function, calcium levels, and parathyroid hormone)
The protocol emphasises safety and customisation, with trained physicians adjusting doses based on the patient's unique biochemistry.
The Coimbra Protocol Diet
An important and often underestimated part of the protocol is the low-calcium diet, required to prevent hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood), a known risk of high-dose vitamin D therapy.
Patients are instructed to strictly avoid calcium-rich foods, such as:
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt) - All forms of dairy, including milk, cheese, yoghurt, and cream, are strictly prohibited as they are rich in calcium.
Calcium-fortified plant milks or juices - Avoid Calcium-Fortified Foods: Steer clear of plant-based milks (like almond, soy, or rice milk) and juices that are fortified with calcium.
- Limit High-Oxalate Foods: Foods such as nuts, seeds, and certain leafy greens can contribute to kidney stone formation when combined with high calcium levels. Their intake should be minimised.
Monitor Water Calcium Content - Certain mineral waters with high calcium content
- Moderate Alcohol Intake: Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can interfere with vitamin D metabolism .
- Hydration is also critical — patients are usually told to drink at least 2.5 litres of water per day to support kidney health and calcium excretion.
- Regular Monitoring: Periodic blood and urine tests are essential to ensure calcium levels remain within safe limits and to adjust dietary intake accordingly .
Scientific Evidence and Research
Despite strong anecdotal support and some observational data, the Coimbra Protocol remains controversial in mainstream medicine due to a lack of large-scale, randomized controlled trials. However, several studies support the idea that:
Vitamin D plays a key role in immune regulation
Deficiency is common in people with autoimmune conditions
High-dose vitamin D can be safe under strict medical supervision
Some studies show benefits in MS patients treated with high-dose vitamin D, such as reduced lesion activity on MRI and fewer relapses. Still, these are often small or preliminary, and many researchers call for more robust trials.
Dr. Coimbra and his colleagues argue that conventional vitamin D dosing is insufficient for people with genetic resistance or autoimmune activity — and that functional response, not serum level alone, should guide treatment.
Criticism and Concerns
Many physicians express caution regarding:
Vitamin D toxicity, which can cause hypercalcemia, kidney damage, and calcification
Self-treatment without proper supervision
Insufficient peer-reviewed evidence to justify wide adoption
Professional bodies like the Endocrine Society recommend against high-dose vitamin D without compelling medical reasons and close monitoring. Dr. Coimbra himself warns against doing the protocol without medical guidance.
Is the Coimbra Protocol Right for Everyone?
Not necessarily. It's not a one-size-fits-all cure, and it’s not a substitute for conventional care without thorough consideration. However, for patients who feel failed by traditional options, the Coimbra Protocol may offer hope — if approached cautiously, with proper clinical oversight.
Accessing the protocol typically involves working with a certified Coimbra practitioner, undergoing initial lab testing, and committing to long-term lifestyle and dietary changes.
Autoimmune Disease Treatment
The Coimbra Protocol represents a fascinating frontier in autoimmune disease treatment — one that challenges conventional paradigms and calls attention to the potential role of nutrient therapy in chronic illness. While it’s not without risks or skeptics, it continues to grow in popularity among patients and practitioners searching for alternatives to immunosuppressive drugs.
As more research emerges, the medical community may gain a clearer understanding of how and when high-dose vitamin D therapies can be safely and effectively used.
Additional Vitamins
The Coimbra Protocol is a high-dose vitamin D3 treatment approach for autoimmune diseases, developed by Dr. Cicero Coimbra in Brazil. This protocol involves high doses of vitamin D3.
Coimbra Protocol Supplements
- D3 - (cholecalciferol Oil Based) - Administered in pharmacological doses to overcome vitamin D resistance and modulate the immune system.
Magnesium (Glycinate, Malate, Citrate, etc.) - Essential cofactor for vitamin D metabolism and over 300 enzymatic reactions. Helps reduce risk of kidney stones and supports muscle and nerve function.
Magnesium Chloride -
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin - Supports energy production and helps enhance the body’s use of vitamin D.
Omega 3 - Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. Helps balance the immune system and support brain health.
Vitamin B12 - methylcobalamin - upports neurological function and is often deficient in autoimmune conditions.
Chromium Picolinate - Helps with blood sugar regulation and may aid in metabolic support.
Selenium - An antioxidant that supports immune function. Antioxidant and essential for thyroid and immune function. May be particularly beneficial in autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Choline - Supports liver function and brain health. Involved in methylation, similar to folate and B12.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - A powerful antioxidant that supports mitochondrial energy production and may reduce fatigue often seen in autoimmune conditions.
- K2 (K2-7) Menaquinones - Works synergistically with vitamin D to ensure calcium is directed to bones and not soft tissues. Pharmaceutical-grade MK-7 is used for stability and effectiveness.
MK 7 bioavailable - Only pharmaceutical grade remains stable for years. - Folinic Acid* - Folic Acid / Methyl Folate - synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA. Best source Folinic Acid
- Taurine - An amino acid that supports cardiovascular and neurological health. May protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Notes
Folinic Acid - Folinic acid does not require the enzymatic conversion that folic acid does so there is enhanced effectiveness for many people.
K2 - Pharmaceutical grade K2 that is manufactured in India is subject to strict government regulations. When Vitamin D3 is taken without clinically verified Vitamin K2, calcium becomes misplaced in the brain. Best version Menaquin Gold purchase at Medikor Labs.
Research Coimbra Protocol
This study evaluated 319 patients with various autoimmune diseases treated with high-dose vitamin D3 (average dose ~35,000 IU/day) following the Coimbra Protocol. Over a treatment period of up to 3.5 years, with adherence to a strict low-calcium diet and adequate hydration, no cases of hypercalcemia or renal impairment were observed. The findings suggest that, under proper medical supervision, high-dose vitamin D3 therapy is safe for patients with autoimmune conditions.
This paper discusses the concept of acquired vitamin D resistance as a contributing factor to autoimmune diseases. The authors propose that genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors may impair vitamin D receptor (VDR) function, necessitating higher doses of vitamin D3 to achieve immunomodulatory effects. Clinical observations from patients treated with the Coimbra Protocol support this hypothesis, highlighting the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in guiding individualised dosing.
This case report details the treatment of a patient with optic neuritis and probable multiple sclerosis using high-dose vitamin D3 at 1,000 IU/kg/day, as per the Coimbra Protocol. Over time, the patient experienced resolution of symptoms and no further disease progression, suggesting potential benefits of the protocol in early-stage MS.
Coimbra protocol using high-dose Vitamin D is safe. Provides summaries and discussions on various studies related to high-dose vitamin D therapy, including those pertaining to the Coimbra Protocol.
