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’s an even bigger conversion
element to comprehend and test. Soft Health and Healing Clinic shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are tested
and how essential they are to a smooth operating
body system. Brooks vitamin B deficiencies need to be revealed.
Your Brooks 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 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 studied more deeply in
what way 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 decreased memory
function by hindering hippocampal insulin signaling and upsetting
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately connected!
Soft Health and Healing Clinic helps Brooks 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 accurate 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 sooner. The body produces very
little MMA – necessary for metabolism and energy production – by itself. MMA levels rise in the blood and urine if there is
not sufficient vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Soft Health and Healing Clinic encourages Brooks chiropractic patients
to check B levels and increase 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 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, Brooks
chiropractic patients may choose to address
the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Soft Health and Healing Clinic is definitely ready to discuss
supplementation ideas with you as well. It
is all part of the Brooks chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Soft Health and Healing Clinic
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 including the nervous system.
Schedule your Brooks chiropractic visit
at Soft Health and Healing Clinic today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for having your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!