Vitamin D Therapy for autoimmune diseases is a medical treatment using supplements to improve the natural functioning of the cells.
Please do not experiment or try to treat yourself with vitamin D. Take vitamin D under proper supervision by a trained doctor in this methodology, as therapy has to be personalized based on a set of tests, given in the right dose and timing, along with specific supplements with adequate hydration and calcium restriction (based on blood levels).
To understand more –
How does vitamin D help in autoimmune diseases?
•Autoimmune diseases are a result of an unregulated immune system that produces an aberrant immunological Th17 reaction. Vitamin D suppresses autoimmunity by suppressing this Th17 reaction in the immune cells.
•Vitamin D also induces the proliferation of the helpful regulatory immune cells called “T reg” cells that maintain balance in the immune system.
•Vitamin D empowers the immune system against viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Why do patients with autoimmunity need higher than usual intake of vitamin D?
Research disclosed that patients with autoimmune diseases have an increased resistance to the effects of vitamin D. This resistance is mostly due to genetic polymorphisms at the level of the VDR (vitamin D receptors). Consequently, higher than usual doses of vitamin D are needed to overcome this resistance. The dose also depends on the type of autoimmune disorder.
•A daily intake of vitamin D in physiological doses or little above, along with pharma-grade magnesium, B2, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids has seen good results in most patients.
•Higher doses of vitamin D are needed for few with very high degree of vitamin D resistance.
•The doses are subsequently reduced based on the autoimmune disease.
What is the ideal dose of vitamin D for patients with autoimmunity?
The dose for each patient would be different. The vitamin D levels cannot be used for dose adjustments. It depends on the degree of vitamin D resistance. The test that evaluates Vitamin D resistance is the degree of drop in PTH (parathyroid hormone) levels. PTH is released by the parathyroid glands and active vitamin D suppresses PTH; consequently, as vitamin D levels go up, PTH levels go down. The aim is to bring the PTH level at its lowest normal limit. When PTH level is at a minimum, the best biological effect of vitamin D is reached for that individual, irrespective of what caused the resistance.
What are the side effects of this treatment methodology?
There are no side effects with vitamin D therapy as compared to the adverse effects with the drugs commonly taken. There is a general fear instilled about Vitamin D toxicity. In reality, vitamin D innocently functions on the immune cells and simultaneously opens the doorways in the intestines for proper absorption of calcium to the blood. Its not vitamin D, but the excess calcium that can become toxic! The possible side effect of taking vitamin D for extended periods of time is this excess calcium that reaches wrong places like the blood vessels, kidneys & coronary arteries. If hypercalcemia can be prevented while on therapy, there is no fear of any toxicity. The following steps are taken for the same –
•Ionized calcium levels are monitored periodically to monitor calcium intake through diet. The levels should not cross the upper limit of the normal range.
•PTH levels are periodically monitored and toxicity of vitamin D is rare as long as the PTH levels remain in their range.
•Calcium supplements are stopped as dietary calcium in moderation is enough to maintain the needed blood levels. A diet free of dairy or in moderation (based on the ionized calcium levels in blood) is recommended to ensure the calcium levels are kept under control.
•Addition of vitamin K2-7, to channelize the calcium from the heart and kidney to the bones is advised.
•To avoid loss of bone mass, patients are instructed to practice a daily routine of exercise, like 30 minute fast walk, yoga and pranayam.
How about the kidneys?
To keep the kidneys healthy it is fundamental to prevent calcium overload in the body. For that the patient –
• Should commit and take care of the diet as advised
• Should not take calcium supplements randomly.
• Should drink 2.5 L of liquids a day, to ensure that the kidneys eliminate excess calcium.
• Should inform the doctor if they have any history of kidney stones or issues to plan the treatment accordingly.
How is the treatment monitored?
PTH and ionised calcium levels are measured periodically to assess the functional status of vitamin D. If PTH is not at the lower end of the normal limit, vitamin D daily doses can be increased without any fear. With vit D treatment, PTH levels are expected to go down to their low normal limit. When this happens, the resistance to vitamin D is overcome and its powerful effects take over.
