Lab tests required for the Coimbra vitamin D protocol vary slightly from one person to another and also depend on the protocol doctor who is treating you.
Taking high doses of vitamin D for extended periods can cause side effects, which is one reason the bloods need to testing regularly. The primary focus is to avoid an excess of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) or the urine (hypercalciuria).
LAB TESTS REGULARLY, PREVENT SIDE EFFECTS
Additionally, another concern is the loss of bone mass, which can lead to Osteoporosis. Excess calcium consumption can be easily avoided, with a diet free of dairy and calcium-enriched foods. Furthermore, regular lab tests are essential to check calcium levels are under control when following the Coimbra protocol.
AEROBIC EXERCISE STOPS BONE LOSS
To mitigate depletion of bone mass, patients on the protocol have to practice a daily routine of aerobic exercises. Weight-bearing exercises are necessary to maintain bone density. Examples would be taking a 30-minute fast walk or lifting heavy weights regularly. Eventually, however, whose disabilities prevent them from performing aerobic exercises may, in time, need medications to ward off Osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates help if this situation occurs.
WHICH FOODS TO EAT ON THE COIMBRA VITAMIN D PROTOCOL TO GET GOOD LAB TESTS RESULTS
Diet restrictions are related solely to the quantity of calcium in the food. On the whole, you have to avoid dairy and calcium-enriched foods. That said, nuts are eater in moderation also. As mentioned before, every patient is different, and thus each will respond differently.
Test results will determine if the diet is working, or whether more restrictions are necessary. Equally, water consumption should increase for people following the Coimbra protocol. Patients must drink 2.5 L of liquids a day to enable the kidneys to eliminate excess calcium more efficiently. Lab tests check kidney health—a full list of what and what not to eat, see: COIMBRA PROTOCOL DIET.
LAB TESTS REQUIRED WHEN FOLLOWING THE COIMBRA PROTOCOL
Here is a list of lab tests before beginning the protocol and after 2-3 months (depending on Protocol Doctor). Then ongoing:
- 25 (OH) D3
- PTH
- Blood calcium
- Ionized calcium
- 24-hour urine calcium
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Albumin
- Ferritin
- AST
- ALT
- GGT
- TSH
- Free T4
- ESR
- C-Reactive Protein
GETTING LAB TESTS IF BASED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
If you are in the UK, most GP’s will help with the tests. My neurologist arranged for me to have the tests at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London. On the other hand, they do not have to do this. It is entirely at the discretion of the neurologist. If you have a good relationship with both your GP and your neurologist, you should not need to pay for these tests.
COIMBRA PROTOCOL
Use this link to learn more about the Coimbra high dose vitamin D protocol.