Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But learn a little about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That is a big word! It’s an even bigger conversion
element to understand and test. Apple Country Chiropractic shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are related, how they are checked
and how crucial they are to a smooth functioning
body system. Williamson vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Williamson chiropractor is just the one to put a
spotlight on them. Chiropractic services take care of the
whole person!
B12 DEFICIENCY EFFECT ON BRAIN
Researchers have recognized 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) Recently,
researchers studied more in depth just how vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are related
to metabolic diseases and influenced memory function, cognitive
impairment, glucose metabolism and inflammation modulation. They concluded
that folate and B-12 deficiencies decreased memory
function by hindering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are closely connected!
Apple Country Chiropractic helps Williamson chiropractic patients find
out 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 preceise means
to determine B12 levels. MMA is elevated in
90–98% of patients with B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid remains
in the myelin sheath of the nerve if B12 does not convert
it appropriately. A blood test for MMA can detect
vitamin B12 deficiency sooner. The body produces very
little MMA – necessary for metabolism and energy production – on
its own. MMA levels increase in the blood and urine if there isn’t enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Apple Country Chiropractic encourages Williamson chiropractic patients
to check B levels and improve them as necessary.
HOW TO IMPROVE B12 LEVELS
Potential issues contributing to B12
deficiency are inadequate intake of B12 through diet (animal
products [eggs, meat, milk] and algae), impaired
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 improve B12 levels, Williamson
chiropractic patients may choose to address
the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Apple Country Chiropractic is definitely ready to chat about
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the Williamson chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Apple Country Chiropractic
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 preserve a healthy immune
system including the nervous system.
Schedule your Williamson chiropractic appointment
at Apple Country Chiropractic today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for having your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!