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!