Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But learn a little about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That’s a big word! It is an even bigger conversion
element to comprehend and test. Pflugerville Wellness Center shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are checked
and how crucial they are to a smooth functioning
body system. Pflugerville vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Pflugerville chiropractor is just the one to shine a
spotlight on them. Chiropractic services take care of the
whole person!
B12 DEFICIENCY EFFECT ON BRAIN
Researchers have recognized for
some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious 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 explored 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 damaged memory
function by hampering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are closely linked!
Pflugerville Wellness Center helps Pflugerville chiropractic patients discover just what their B vitamin levels are now 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 define B12 levels more precisely.
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more preceise means
to determine 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 doesn’t change
it appropriately. 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 isn’t enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Pflugerville Wellness Center urges Pflugerville chiropractic patients
to check B levels and improve them as necessary.
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), 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, Pflugerville
chiropractic patients may choose to address
the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Pflugerville Wellness Center is certainly ready to discuss
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the Pflugerville chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Pflugerville Wellness 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 maintain a healthy immune
system incorporating the nervous system.
Schedule your Pflugerville chiropractic visit
at Pflugerville Wellness Center today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for getting your B vitamin levels tested via
the MMA connection!