Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But study a little about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That’s a big word! It’s an even bigger conversion
element to understand and test. OrthoIllinois Chiropractic shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are related, how they are checked
and how essential they are to a smooth functioning
body system. McHenry vitamin B deficiencies need to be revealed.
Your McHenry chiropractor is just the one to shine 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 (decelerates the conversion of methionine
to homocysteine which converts to other amino acids via B12, B11, and B6) and
methylmalonic acid (raises) 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 damaged memory
function by hindering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are closely linked!
OrthoIllinois Chiropractic helps McHenry chiropractic patients discover just what their B vitamin levels are currently 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 precisely.
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more preceise way
to figure out B12 levels. MMA is elevated in
90–98% of patients who have B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid remains
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 produces 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)
OrthoIllinois Chiropractic urges McHenry 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), 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 raise B12 levels, McHenry
chiropractic patients may choose to address
the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
OrthoIllinois Chiropractic is definitely ready to discuss
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the McHenry chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT OrthoIllinois 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 incorporating the nervous system.
Schedule your McHenry chiropractic appointment
at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for having your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!