Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B vitamins. But learn a little about MMA - methylmalonic acid. That is a big word! It is an even bigger conversion element to understand and test. New Hampshire Spine and Sport shares just how B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are checked and how essential they are to a smooth functioning body system. Southern New Hampshire vitamin B deficiencies need to be revealed. Your Southern New Hampshire chiropractor is just the one to shine a spotlight on them. Chiropractic services address the whole person!
B12 DEFICIENCY EFFECT ON BRAIN
Researchers have recognized for some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can trigger serious 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 (increases) levels. (1) Lately, researchers investigated more in depth just how vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are connected to metabolic diseases and affected memory function, cognitive impairment, glucose metabolism and inflammation modulation. They concluded that folate and B-12 deficiencies impaired memory function by hampering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are closely linked! New Hampshire Spine and Sport helps Southern New Hampshire chiropractic patients find out just what their B vitamin levels are now so they can elevate 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 determine B12 levels more accurately. Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more preceise way to figure out 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 detect 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 is not sufficient vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4) New Hampshire Spine and Sport urges Southern New Hampshire 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 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, Southern New Hampshire chiropractic patients may want to start by addressing the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods. New Hampshire Spine and Sport is definitely ready to chat about supplementation ideas with you as well. It is all part of the Southern New Hampshire chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT New Hampshire Spine and Sport
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 including the nervous system.
Schedule your Southern New Hampshire chiropractic appointment at New Hampshire Spine and Sport today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for getting your B vitamin levels checked via the MMA connection!