What is the Methylmalonic Acid, Serum (MMA) test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the Methylmalonic Acid, Serum (MMA) test?
It is done to measure the amount of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in the serum or urine.
Also Read: Vitamin B12 Test
What is Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)?
It is a substance made in tiny amounts during the metabolism of protein. Vitamin B12 is essential for metabolism as it plays a great role in the conversion of food into energy. MMA is made in high amounts if your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B12. MMA is excreted in urine through the kidney.
High levels of MMA indicate vitamin B12 deficiency. It can lead to many serious disorders including anemia.
What is the significance of this test?
It is done to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency.
What are the normal levels of Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)?
The units of measurement of MMA in the blood are: umol/ml (micromoles per milliliter)
The normal levels are between 0.00 to 0.40 umol/ml
Why do I need to get it done?
Usually, vitamin B12 deficiency can be detected by a vitamin B12 test but MMA is more sensitive than it. If you’re having the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, you should go for this test:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Appetite diminished
- Tingling or numbness in your feet
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Irritability
- Depression
- Walking difficulty
- Skin pallor (Jaundice)
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Pain or swelling of the tongue
What does it mean to have high Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)?
- Higher than normal levels of MMA indicate vitamin B12 deficiency. However, it doesn’t signify the exact level of Vitamin B12.
- If the MMA levels are higher in newborns, it could be due to a genetic disorder called methylmalonic acidemia. This is a life-threatening metabolic disorder and is supposed to be treated immediately.
- High methylmalonic acid (MMA) also indicates kidney disease. It could be due to the insufficiency of kidneys to excrete MMA from the blood.
What does it mean to have low Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)?
It is a rare condition, and it doesn’t indicate any type of health disorder.
