Baton Rouge 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 is a big word! It’s an even bigger conversion element to understand and test. Spine & Sports Rehab Center shares just how B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are related, how they are tested and how crucial they are to a smooth functioning body system. Baton Rouge vitamin B deficiencies need to be revealed. Your Baton Rouge chiropractor is just the one to put a spotlight on them. Chiropractic services take care of the whole person!

B12 DEFICIENCY EFFECT ON BRAIN

Researchers have recognized for some time that Vitamin B12 deficiency can produce severe 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) Recently, researchers studied more deeply in what way vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are related to metabolic diseases and affected memory function, cognitive impairment, glucose metabolism and inflammation modulation. They decided 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 closely connected! Spine & Sports Rehab Center helps Baton Rouge chiropractic patients find out just what their B vitamin levels are currently 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 accurate means to determine B12 levels. MMA is elevated in 90–98% of patients with B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid stays in the myelin sheath of the nerve if B12 does not convert it appropriately. A blood test for MMA can identify vitamin B12 deficiency earlier. The body produces very little MMA – necessary for metabolism and energy production – on its own. MMA levels rise in the blood and urine if there is not sufficient vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4) Spine & Sports Rehab Center urges Baton Rouge chiropractic patients to check B levels and increase them as necessary.

HOW TO IMPROVE B12 LEVELS

Potential issues contributing to B12 deficiency are insufficient 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 raise B12 levels, Baton Rouge chiropractic patients may choose to address the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods. Spine & Sports Rehab Center is certainly prepared to chat about supplementation ideas with you as well. It is all part of the Baton Rouge chiropractic treatment plan!

CONTACT Spine & Sports Rehab Center

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 Baton Rouge chiropractic visit at Spine & Sports Rehab Center today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will appreciate for having your B vitamin levels checked via the MMA connection!

Spine & Sports Rehab Center points out B vitamin deficiencies and MMA levels may affect the brain and nervous system functions.  
« View All Nutrition Articles
"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."