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 is an even bigger conversion
element to understand and test. Back And Neck Care Center shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are related, how they are tested
and how important they are to a smooth functioning
body system. Severna Park vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Severna Park chiropractor is just the one to put a
spotlight on them. Chiropractic services address 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 truly
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 investigated more in depth in
what way vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are connected
to metabolic diseases and influenced memory function, cognitive
impairment, glucose metabolism and inflammation modulation. They decided
that folate and B-12 deficiencies decreased memory
function by hampering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately connected!
Back And Neck Care Center helps Severna Park chiropractic patients discover just what their B vitamin levels are currently so they can elevate
them as needed to safeguard the brain and the gut.
HOW TO TEST FOR B12 LEVEL
New research indicated that testing
methylmalonic acid serum levels to determine B12 levels more precisely.
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more accurate way
to determine B12 levels. MMA is elevated 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 appropriately. A blood test for MMA can identify
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)
Back And Neck Care Center encourages Severna Park 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), reduced
absorption due to drugs taken 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, Severna Park
chiropractic patients may want to start by addressing
the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Back And Neck Care Center is certainly ready to discuss
supplementation ideas with you as well. It
is all part of the Severna Park chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Back And Neck Care Center
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. James Cox on The Back
Doctors Podcast With Dr. Michael Johnson as he talks about
the importance of chiropractic care and gentle spinal manipulation via The Cox®
Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to preserve a healthy immune
system incorporating the nervous system.
Schedule your Severna Park chiropractic appointment
at Back And Neck Care Center today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for getting your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!