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’s an even bigger conversion
element to understand and test. Satterwhite Chiropractic shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are related, how they are tested
and how important they are to a smooth operating
body system. Oxford vitamin B deficiencies need to be checked.
Your Oxford 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 produce serious and irreversible
damage to the brain and nervous system. Such deficiency is truly
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 studied more deeply 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 reported
that folate and B-12 deficiencies damaged memory
function by hampering hippocampal insulin signaling and disturbing
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately linked!
Satterwhite Chiropractic helps Oxford chiropractic patients find
out just what their B vitamin levels are currently 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 determine B12 levels more accurately.
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more preceise means
to determine B12 levels. MMA is elevated in
90–98% of patients with B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid remains
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 – by itself. MMA levels increase in the blood and urine if there is
not enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Satterwhite Chiropractic encourages Oxford chiropractic patients
to check B levels and increase them as needed.
HOW TO IMPROVE B12 LEVELS
Potential issues leading to B12
deficiency are inadequate intake of B12 through diet (animal
products [eggs, meat, milk] and algae), reduced
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, Oxford
chiropractic patients may want to start by addressing
the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Satterwhite Chiropractic is definitely prepared to chat about
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the Oxford chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Satterwhite Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. James Cox on The Back
Doctors Podcast With Dr. Michael Johnson as he discusses
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 Oxford chiropractic appointment
at Satterwhite Chiropractic today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for having your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!