Treating Autoimmune Disease with the Coimbra Protocol - video Dec 2025
Treating Autoimmune Disease with the Coimbra Protocol
Summary: Vitamin D Therapy in Practice with Dr. Scott Jensen
This interview features Dr. Scott Jensen, a board-certified Family and Integrative Medicine physician, discussing his experience treating autoimmune diseases (particularly Multiple Sclerosis) using the Coimbra Protocol—a therapeutic approach utilizing high-dose Vitamin D.
1. Discovery and Training (Relevant to timestamp 3:39)
Dr. Jensen discovered the Coimbra Protocol around 2017 when a patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) requested his support with lab orders for the treatment. Unfamiliar with the protocol, he researched it and found a 2003 study by Dr. Cicero Coimbra on vitiligo, which showed impressive before-and-after results. * Motivation: After witnessing his patient achieve remission, he traveled to Brazil to train directly under Dr. Coimbra. * Training Experience: He describes the training as intensive, involving 12-hour days with exhaustive 3–4 hour patient consultations, contrasting sharply with the quick pace of American medicine.
2. The Coimbra Protocol Explained
The protocol treats autoimmune diseases by overcoming "Vitamin D resistance" through high doses of Vitamin D3, adjusted individually based on Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) levels.
- Dosing: Dr. Jensen defines a "mega dose" as anything above 10,000–20,000 IU/day. In practice, he has prescribed doses as high as 120,000 IU/day, though he notes Dr. Coimbra often uses even higher doses.
- Safety Measures: To prevent toxicity (hypercalcemia) and kidney damage, patients must:
- Hydrate: Drink at least 2.5 liters of fluids daily.
- Diet: Strictly follow a low-calcium diet (avoiding dairy, etc.).
- Monitor: Undergo regular 24-hour urine calcium tests and blood work to ensure calcium levels remain safe.
- Supplements: Essential co-factors include Magnesium, Riboflavin (B2), Fish Oil, and Vitamin K2 (which Dr. Jensen emphasizes more for US patients due to dietary differences). He recommends the "Pinkleton multivitamin" (developed by Dr. Tressa Pinkleton) to simplify the supplement regimen for patients.
3. Integration with Mental Health (Walsh Protocol)
Dr. Jensen incorporates training from the Walsh Institute into his practice. He notes that approximately 50% of MS patients may have Pyroluria (Pyrrole Disorder), a genetic condition causing severe Zinc and Vitamin B6 deficiencies. * Clinical Insight: Treating these deficiencies can significantly improve patients' mental health (anxiety, depression), which is crucial because unmanaged stress can hinder the effectiveness of the Coimbra Protocol.
4. Clinical Outcomes & Challenges
- Success Factors: The best responders are typically those who start treatment early (within days to months of diagnosis). Females and MS patients tend to show the most rapid improvement.
- Case Story: A mother of five who was bedridden with MS made a full recovery and remains in remission years later.
- Challenges: Patients with long-standing disease (20+ years) or limited mobility struggle with the fluid intake requirements (due to bladder issues) and the exercise requirement (essential for maintaining bone density).
- Dietary Variations: While the low-calcium rule is non-negotiable, Dr. Jensen supports patients using other compatible diets, such as the Carnivore diet, if it aids their autoimmune recovery.
5. Critical Safety Warning
Dr. Jensen emphasizes that this protocol must not be attempted without medical supervision. * Risks: Without proper monitoring, high-dose Vitamin D can cause kidney failure or calcification issues. * Contraindications: Patients with granulomatous diseases (like sarcoidosis) may have different reactions and require extremely cautious, low-dose initiations.
Conclusion: Dr. Jensen advocates for the protocol as a highly effective, safe (when monitored), and life-changing option for autoimmune patients who often have few other choices, provided they are willing to adhere to the strict lifestyle and safety requirements.