Vitamin D metabolites as clinical markers in autoimmune and chronic disease

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Sep;1173:384-90.

Vitamin D metabolites as clinical markers in autoimmune and chronic disease.

Blaney GP, Albert PJ, Proal AD. Stillpoint Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. gregblaney@shaw.ca

Recent research has implicated vitamin D deficiency (serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D <50 nmol/L) with a number of chronic conditions, including autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and psoriasis, and chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has been assumed that low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-D) accurately indicate vitamin D storage and vitamin D receptor (VDR)-mediated control of calcium metabolism and innate immunity. To evaluate this assumption, 25-D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D) levels were measured in 100 Canadian patients with these conditions. Additionally, other inflammatory markers (CK, CRP) were measured. Results showed a strong positive association between these autoimmune conditions and levels of 1,25-D >110 pmol/L. However, there was little association with vitamin D deficiency or the other inflammatory markers, meaning that the results challenge the assumption that serum levels of 25-D are a sensitive measure of the autoimmune disease state. Rather, these findings support the use of 1,25-D as a clinical marker in autoimmune conditions. High levels of 1,25-D may result when dysregulation of the VDR by bacterial ligands prevents the receptor from expressing enzymes necessary to keep 1,25-D in a normal range.

PMID: 19758177 [PubMed - in process]

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written by Maff, September 21, 2009

As soon as I began reading this research abstract I thought of The Marshall Protocol which postulates that chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are caused by dysregulated vitamin D metabolism caused by chronic bacterial infections. The protocol was developed by Trevor Marshall, an electrical engineer who reportedly cured his own autoimmune sarcoidosis with the treatment, which involves avoidance of vitamin D sources(dietary and sunlight) and use of antibiotics and immunomodulatory drugs. This study completely supports the hypothesis of The Marshall Protocol with clinical evidence.

I would be slightly wary of the study, as the abstract reads exactly like a page from The Marshall Protocol website.

The credentials of the lead researcher are seemingly good however. Below is his bio:

Dr. Blaney has practised holistic medicine for more than 30 years. He trained with the original founders of osteopathic manual therapy and his teachers are considered among the finest osteopaths in history. Among those teachers: Dr. Paul Kimberly, himself a student of the originator of cranial sacral therapy, Dr. William Sutherland.

Dr. Blaney is now a renowned practitioner of osteopathy, neural therapy, acupuncture and complex homeopathy, and an internationally recognized expert on the underlying bacterial infections that perpetuate chronic disease. His understanding of various psychological approaches adds depth and humility to his appreciation for the human process of recovery.

He has facilitated numerous workshops and intensive retreats throughout North America and Europe, and has co-developed several community based wellness programs. Dr. Blaney is an engaging and inspirational speaker and teacher.

The Marshall Protocol is currently an experimental therapy only with no results published in medical journals. It is also considered controversial as this study's findings no doubt will be. As such you should discuss your vitamin D levels and The Marshall Protocol with your doctor.