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 comprehend and test. Pensacola Spinal Rehab Center shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are checked
and how important they are to a smooth operating
body system. Pensacola vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Pensacola 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 known for
some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can trigger serious and irreversible
damage to the brain and nervous system. Such deficiency is really
an issue for homocysteine (decelerates 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 explored more deeply 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 reported
that folate and B-12 deficiencies impaired memory
function by hampering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately connected!
Pensacola Spinal Rehab Center helps Pensacola 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 define B12 levels more precisely.
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 appropriately. A blood test for MMA can detect
vitamin B12 deficiency earlier. The body makes very
little MMA - necessary for metabolism and energy production - on
its own. MMA levels increase in the blood and urine if there is
not enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Pensacola Spinal Rehab Center encourages Pensacola chiropractic patients
to check B levels and improve them as needed.
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 improve B12 levels, Pensacola
chiropractic patients may want to start by addressing
the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Pensacola Spinal Rehab Center is definitely ready to chat about
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the Pensacola chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Pensacola Spinal Rehab 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 preserve a healthy immune
system including the nervous system.
Schedule your Pensacola chiropractic appointment
at Pensacola Spinal Rehab Center today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for getting your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!