Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But learn a bit about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That is a big word! It’s an even bigger conversion
element to understand and test. Vancouver Disc Centers 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. Vancouver vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Vancouver chiropractor is just the one to shine a
spotlight on them. Chiropractic services address the
whole person!
B12 DEFICIENCY EFFECT ON BRAIN
Researchers have acknowledged for
some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can trigger serious 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) Lately,
researchers studied more in depth in
what way vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are related
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 bothering
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are closely connected!
Vancouver Disc Centers helps Vancouver 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 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 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 is
not sufficient vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Vancouver Disc Centers urges Vancouver chiropractic patients
to check B levels and improve them as necessary.
HOW TO IMPROVE B12 LEVELS
Potential issues leading to B12
deficiency are inadequate intake of B12 through diet (animal
products [eggs, meat, milk] and algae), reduced
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, Vancouver
chiropractic patients may want to start by addressing
the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Vancouver Disc Centers is certainly ready to chat about
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the Vancouver chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
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 Vancouver chiropractic visit
at Vancouver Disc Centers today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for having your B vitamin levels tested via
the MMA connection!