Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But study a little about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That is a big word! It is an even bigger conversion
element to comprehend and test. Johnson Chiropractic shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are related, how they are tested
and how crucial they are to a smooth operating
body system. Richmond vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Richmond 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 produce serious and irreversible
damage to the brain and nervous system. Such deficiency is truly
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 (increases) levels. (1) Lately,
researchers investigated more in depth 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 decided
that folate and B-12 deficiencies decreased memory
function by hampering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately linked!
Johnson Chiropractic helps Richmond chiropractic patients find
out just what their B vitamin levels are now so they can boost
them as needed to protect 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 accurately.
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more preceise means
to figure out B12 levels. MMA is increased in
90–98% of patients who have B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid stays
in the myelin sheath of the nerve if B12 doesn’t convert
it properly. A blood test for MMA can identify
vitamin B12 deficiency sooner. 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 isn’t enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Johnson Chiropractic encourages Richmond chiropractic patients
to check B levels and improve them as needed.
HOW TO IMPROVE B12 LEVELS
Potential issues contributing to B12
deficiency are inadequate intake of B12 through diet (animal
products [eggs, meat, milk] and algae), impaired
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 raise B12 levels, Richmond
chiropractic patients may choose to address
the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Johnson Chiropractic is certainly prepared to discuss
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the Richmond chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic
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 Richmond chiropractic visit
at Johnson Chiropractic today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for having your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!