About the coimbra protocol

The Coimbra Vitamin D Protocol, which uses exceptionally high daily doses of vitamin D for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases,​ ​was developed in strict observance of The World Medical Association’s Helsinki Declaration, paragraph 37 in particular,

"In the treatment of an individual patient, where proven interventions do not exist or other known interventions have been ineffective, the physician...with informed consent from the patient...may use an unproven intervention if in the physician's judgment it offers hope of saving life, re-establishing health or alleviating suffering..."

The medical community has seen over time that interferon beta therapies have ultimately shown to be unable to prevent progression of MS. Likewise, biological agents often lose their efficacy due to patient generation of anti-drug antibodies. In contrast, this protocol employs individual tailoring of daily doses of vitamin D, monitored by routine laboratory results of each patient, as well as supplementation of several minerals and vitamins which aid in vitamin D activation, neural tissue regeneration, and ultimately suppression of the disease.

Doctor Pinkleton was the 5th doctor in the United States to be trained in the protocol. She sees people with various autoimmune issues, both as a doctor to her patients in her private practice at Seattle Naturopathy & Acupuncture Center and as as consultant for out-of-state and -country clients via Skype.


appointments & pricing

The first appointment typically lasts 75-90 minutes. Here, the protocol is discussed, initial labs are drawn, and one’s starting dose of vitamin D is set. If you are an out-of-state patient Dr. Pinkleton can help you find a lab to work with. Follow-up appointments are typically every 3 months for the first 6-9 months, then move to every 6 months. After you have been stable on the protocol for a year appointments are scheduled yearly.

out-of-state pricing

  • First appointment: $350, typically lasting 75-90 minutes.

  • Follow-up appointments: $150, typically lasting 45-60 minutes.

in-state pricing

In-state patients may use their insurance for all Coimbra-related appointments. If Dr. Pinkleton is not contracted with your insurance then her out-of state Coimbra rates apply.