Vitamin B for Bones!

Among the alphabet of vitamins, vitamin B is unique in that it has many types, and they’re all important!  Their lack or lower levels may impact Largo chiropractic patients’ health. How? Well, for one, vitamin B12 is essential for brain health and red blood cell production. (1) Low levels of B-vitamins lead to high levels of tHcy (total homocysteine) which may be a risk for bone fracture and osteoporosis. High levels of tHcy are linked to risk of lumbar osteoporosis. (2) Hollstrom & Associates Inc notes that new research in patients with celiac disease gluten intolerance links low bone mineral density and/or increased fracture risk with low B-vitamin status and higher homocysteine levels, putting them at risk for osteoporosis. (3) Further, drugs like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) inadvertently put bones at risk as they inhibit stomach acid production – good to help with heartburn – because stomach acid is needed to break down food to get nutrients like vitamin B12 (for blood) and calcium (for bone) out of the food. (1) PPIs can be a double-edged sword, helping one system while harming another. As you can see, vitamin B is important.  Hollstrom & Associates Inc sees many Largo chiropractic patients whose vitamin B levels are low for one reason or another, so in this article, Hollstrom & Associates Inc is going to look a little more closely at vitamin B for bones.

 

In looking at bone health a little closer, Hollstrom & Associates Inc notes that, globally and here in Largo, the human race is aging.  Osteoporotic fractures are on the rise (4) as well as sarcopenia (5). Hollstrom & Associates Inc sees a number of Largo chiropractic patients with osteoporosis and related issues. Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density resulting in fragile bones while sarcopenia is the age-related decrease in muscle mass, strength and function that often leads to less mobility and more falls, fractures and nursing home admissions. Patients with sarcopenia are found to have lower levels of vitamin B12. (5) Osteoporosis related fractures lead to more illness and death. One way to stave off osteoporosis is nutrition and diet. (4)  B vitamins are reportedly protective of bone health, especially vitamins B2, B6, folate and B12. (4) Hollstrom & Associates Inc discusses diet and nutrition with our Largo chiropractic patients whenever we can!

Since improved and higher B-vitamin levels may protect patients against osteoporosis (3), an increase in dietary intake of meat, fish, dairy, eggs and poultry can help, especially for vitamin B12. Since eating is a daily event, Hollstrom & Associates Inc knows our Largo chiropractic patients can incorporate these into their diets. They and their families’ health will benefit!

So contact Hollstrom & Associates Inc. Let’s discuss bone nutrition and vitamin B’s contribution to bone health and your overall health at your next Largo chiropractic visit.