West Des Moines Chiropractic Care Checks for Vitamin B Deficiency and MMA

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. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa shares just how B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are tested and how crucial they are to a smooth functioning body system. West Des Moines vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed. Your West Des Moines 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 acknowledged for some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious and irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. Such deficiency is really 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 (increases) levels. (1) Lately, 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 reported that folate and B-12 deficiencies damaged memory function by hindering hippocampal insulin signaling and upsetting the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately linked! Executive Chiropractic of Iowa helps West Des Moines 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 stays in the myelin sheath of the nerve if B12 doesn’t convert it appropriately. A blood test for MMA can identify vitamin B12 deficiency sooner. The body makes very little MMA – necessary for metabolism and energy production – by itself. MMA levels increase in the blood and urine if there is not enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4) Executive Chiropractic of Iowa encourages West Des Moines 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), 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 improve B12 levels, West Des Moines chiropractic patients may choose to address the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa is definitely prepared to discuss supplementation ideas with you as well. It is all part of the West Des Moines chiropractic treatment plan!

CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa

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 West Des Moines chiropractic appointment at Executive Chiropractic of Iowa today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for having your B vitamin levels checked via the MMA connection!

Executive Chiropractic of Iowa knows B vitamin deficiencies and MMA levels may affect the brain and nervous system functions.  
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."