Vitamin D may exacerbate autoimmune disease!!
 

are we having fun yet? :confused:

I can't post the link so you'll have to check the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center for the article.

Marshall and team explain that by deactivating the VDR and subsequently the immune response, 25-D lowers the inflammation caused by many of these bacteria but allows them to spread more easily in the long-run. They outline how long-term harm caused by high levels of 25-D has been missed because the bacteria implicated in autoimmune disease grow very slowly. For example, a higher incidence in brain lesions, allergies, and atopy in response to vitamin D supplementation have been noted only after decades of supplementation with the secosteroid.

Furthermore, low levels of 25-D are frequently noted in patients with autoimmune disease, leading to a current consensus that a deficiency of the secosteroid may contribute to the autoimmune disease process. However, Marshall and team explain that these low levels of 25-D are a result, rather than a cause, of the disease process. Indeed, Marshall's research shows that in autoimmune disease, 25-D levels are naturally down-regulated in response to VDR dysregulation by chronic pathogens. Under such circumstances, supplementation with extra vitamin D is not only counterproductive but harmful, as it slows the ability of the immune system to deal with such bacteria.

The Marshall Protocol has to do with Sarcoidosis.

His theory is unproven at this time.

I am unaware of a link between sarcoidosis and MS.???

more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Marshall

The newest data on Vit D show that the majority of people improve in many ways when D is optimal in the blood.

The Sarcoidosis information remains unproven and controversial.
The recent extension of his PLAN to include so many other diseases, has a ring of hype to me. His newest claims seem over-reaching. His theories are in direct opposition to the newest research into Vit D.

Trevor Marshall is not educated in the biological sciences. He is an engineer.

There is a biological theory that ALL disease is triggered by infectious organisms. That each person has a different genetic capacity to handle invaders. This has to do with antigen/antibody responses, and I think that is far more complex than pinning it on Vit D. The vast majority of people in industrial countries are low in this nutrient. Not over supplemented as Marshall suggests. The amount of Vit D in our food chain is very small and also of the D2 variety which is not very biologically active.

It remains an interesting subject, however.

Here are some more links to read:

http://synergyhn.com/12preview/

Also on that wiki entry, if you click on the link in #38 in
the bibliography, there is an interesting PDF that you can download and read.

and:
http://autoimmunityresearch.org/about.htm

Here is a link to a vocal critic of the Marshall Protocol:
http://lassesen.com/cfids/MarshallProtocolRisks.htm

Just from personal experience my lesion load diminished when I was doing a trial mega-dosing Vitamin D .. I always feel better when I'm out in the sun for ages, working in an office sucks

Interesting about the long term effects though,

I've been looking around about Marshall.

1) the hypercalcuria he mentions for sarcoidosis, is only found in about 10% of patients who have it. (those who make excess Vit D-- which should show up on tests)

2) also that there is a definite genetic link, and that sarcoidosis occurs in families.

3) I could not find any medical links about it being linked to other autoimmune diseases.

4) the D he refers to in our food chain is a very low amount, and the D2 type. For example 100 IU in 8oz of milk.


Until other researchers can duplicate his math and theory with hard facts, his work remains in the theoretical realm.