Boost your brain (and gut and nervous system) power with B
vitamins. But study a bit about MMA - methylmalonic
acid. That’s a big word! It is an even bigger conversion
element to comprehend and test. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC shares just how
B vitamins and methylmalonic acid are connected, how they are tested
and how essential they are to a smooth functioning
body system. La Grande vitamin B deficiencies need to be noticed.
Your La Grande 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 acknowledged 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 (slows the conversion of methionine
to homocysteine which converts to other amino acids via B12, B11, and B6) and
methylmalonic acid (raises) levels. (1) Recently,
researchers explored more in depth just how vitamin B9 folate and B12 deficiencies are related
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 upsetting
the gut microbiota. (2) The gut and brain are intimately linked!
Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC helps La Grande chiropractic patients find
out just what their B vitamin levels are currently so they can elevate
them as needed to protect the brain and the gut.
HOW TO TEST FOR B12 LEVEL
New research indicated that testing
methylmalonic acid serum levels to determine B12 levels more precisely.
Testing for methylmalonic acid serum levels is a more accurate way
to determine B12 levels. MMA is increased in
90–98% of patients with B12 deficiency. Why? Methylmalonic acid remains
in the myelin sheath of the nerve if B12 doesn’t change
it properly. 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 enough vitamin B12 available for conversion. (3,4)
Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC encourages La Grande chiropractic patients
to check B levels and increase them as necessary.
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), weakened
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, La Grande
chiropractic patients may want to start by addressing
the dietary intake of more vitamin B12-rich foods.
Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC is certainly ready to discuss
supplementation ideas with you as well. It’s all part of the La Grande chiropractic treatment plan!
CONTACT Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
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 La Grande chiropractic visit
at Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC today. Your brain, gut and nervous system will thank
you for having your B vitamin levels checked via
the MMA connection!