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 comprehend and test. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are tested
and how important they are to a smooth functioning
body system. Sitka vitamin B deficiencies need to be checked.
Your Sitka 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 acknowledged 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 (raises) levels. (1) Lately,
researchers investigated 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 decided
that folate and B-12 deficiencies decreased memory
function by hampering hippocampal insulin signaling and bothering
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately connected!
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka helps Sitka chiropractic patients find
out just what their B vitamin levels are currently so they can boost
them as needed to protect 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 way
to figure out 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 identify
vitamin B12 deficiency earlier. The body makes very
little MMA – necessary for metabolism and energy production – by itself. MMA levels increase in the blood and urine if there isn’t enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka encourages Sitka chiropractic patients
to check B levels and improve them as needed.
HOW TO IMPROVE B12 LEVELS
Potential issues contributing to B12
deficiency are insufficient intake of B12 through diet (animal
products [eggs, meat, milk] and algae), weakened
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 improve B12 levels, Sitka
chiropractic patients may want to start by addressing
the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka is certainly ready to chat about
supplementation ideas with you as well. It
is all part of the Sitka chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
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 Sitka chiropractic visit
at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for having your B vitamin levels tested via
the MMA connection!