Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But study a little about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That’s a big word! It’s an even bigger conversion
element to understand and test. Paramus Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are checked
and how important they are to a smooth functioning
body system. Paramus vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your Paramus chiropractor is just the one to shine a
spotlight on them. Chiropractic services address the
whole person!
B12 DEFICIENCY EFFECT ON BRAIN
Researchers have acknowledged for
some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can produce 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 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 damaged memory
function by hindering hippocampal insulin signaling and upsetting
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are closely connected!
Paramus Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center helps Paramus chiropractic patients discover just what their B vitamin levels are now so they can elevate
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 way
to figure out B12 levels. MMA is increased in
90–98% of patients who have B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid remains
in the myelin sheath of the nerve if B12 does not change
it appropriately. A blood test for MMA can detect
vitamin B12 deficiency earlier. The body makes very
little MMA – necessary for metabolism and energy production – on
its own. MMA levels rise in the blood and urine if there isn’t sufficient vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Paramus Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center urges Paramus 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), reduced
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, Paramus
chiropractic patients may choose to address
the dietary consumption of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Paramus Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center is definitely ready to chat about
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the Paramus chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Paramus Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center
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 incorporating the nervous system.
Schedule your Paramus chiropractic visit
at Paramus Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for getting your B vitamin levels tested via
the MMA connection!