Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But learn a bit about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That’s a big word! It is an even bigger conversion
element to understand and test. Minster Chiropractic Center shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are checked
and how essential they are to a smooth functioning
body system. Minster vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Minster chiropractor is just the one to shine a
spotlight on them. Chiropractic services take care of the
whole person!
B12 DEFICIENCY EFFECT ON BRAIN
Researchers have known for
some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can trigger severe and irreversible
damage to the brain and nervous system. Such deficiency is really
an issue for homocysteine (slows the conversion of methionine
to homocysteine which converts to other amino acids via B12, B11, and B6) and
methylmalonic acid (increases) levels. (1) Lately,
researchers studied more in depth just how vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are connected
to metabolic diseases and affected memory function, cognitive
impairment, glucose metabolism and inflammation modulation. They concluded
that folate and B-12 deficiencies impaired memory
function by hindering hippocampal insulin signaling and upsetting
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are closely linked!
Minster Chiropractic Center helps Minster chiropractic patients discover just what their B vitamin levels are now so they can boost
them as needed to safeguard the brain and the gut.
HOW TO TEST FOR B12 LEVEL
New research pointed to testing
methylmalonic acid serum levels to determine B12 levels more accurately.
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more accurate means
to figure out B12 levels. MMA is increased in
90–98% of patients with B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid stays
in the myelin sheath of the nerve if B12 does not change
it properly. A blood test for MMA can identify
vitamin B12 deficiency earlier. The body produces very
little MMA – necessary for metabolism and energy production – on
its own. MMA levels rise in the blood and urine if there isn’t enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Minster Chiropractic Center urges Minster chiropractic patients
to check B levels and increase them as necessary.
HOW TO IMPROVE B12 LEVELS
Potential issues leading to B12
deficiency are insufficient intake of B12 through diet (animal
products [eggs, meat, milk] and algae), weakened
absorption due to drugs used like proton pump inhibitors and
histamine 2 receptor agonists), surgical removal of small bowel for Crohn’s
disease, celiac disease, bariatric surgery, bacterial overgrowth into small
bowel, diabetes’ medication metformin, malnutrition due to alcoholism, and
nitrous oxide abuse. (5) To raise B12 levels, Minster
chiropractic patients may choose to address
the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Minster Chiropractic Center is certainly prepared to chat about
supplementation ideas with you as well. It
is all part of the Minster chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Minster Chiropractic Center
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. James Cox on The Back
Doctors Podcast With Dr. Michael Johnson as he discusses
the importance of chiropractic care and gentle spinal manipulation via The Cox®
Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to maintain a healthy immune
system including the nervous system.
Schedule your Minster chiropractic visit
at Minster Chiropractic Center today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for having your B vitamin levels tested via
the MMA connection!