When is the test ordered? The methylmalonic acid test isn’t typically ordered as part of a routine physical exam. Your doctor may order the test if the result of your vitamin B-12 test is abnormal. In addition, the test may be ordered if you have symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Is methylmalonic acid high or low in B12 deficiency?
Increased methylmalonic acid levels are a sensitive indicator of mild vitamin B12 deficiency and elevated homocysteine levels denote vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Why is methylmalonic acid high in B12?
Normal Absorption of Vitamin B
In the first reaction, methylmalonic acid is converted to succinyl-CoA using vitamin B12 as a cofactor (Figure 1). Vitamin B12 deficiency, therefore, can lead to increased levels of serum methylmalonic acid.
What causes high methylmalonic acid?
Elevated levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) result from inherited defects of enzymes involved in MMA metabolism or inherited or acquired deficiencies of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or its downstream metabolites.
Does B12 deficiency cause malabsorption?
enterocyte caused by severe vitamin B12-deficiency, which is rapidly corrected by giving vitamin B12. Binding of intrinsic factor by intrinsic factor anti- bodies secreted into the gastric juice or bacterial overgrowth of the small bowel may contribute to the malabsorption in some patients.
What causes low levels of methylmalonic acid?
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is the most common cause of MMA production. Foods that can increase B-12 levels include red meats, shellfish, fish, dairy, and cereals fortified with the vitamin. If you are a strict vegetarian, you may be at higher risk for a B12 deficiency.
Can you have B12 deficiency with normal MMA?
As the natural course of vitamin B12 deficiency is not well-known, it cannot be excluded that participants with low serum B12 but normal MMA may be in the early, still asymptomatic phase of their deficiency. Earlier studies have shown the importance of treatment response.
What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as:
- vision problems.
- memory loss.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.
How is MMA diagnosed?
Organic acids can be measured using any body fluid, but urine is the most efficient for determining the type of disorder. The determination of organic acids and glycine conjugates in urine is key for the diagnosis and follow-up of MMA.
What is a normal methylmalonic acid level?
The normal range of MMA in the urine is 0.4 – 2.5 μmol/mmol crt (micromoles per mmol of creatinine).
How do you reduce methylmalonic acid?
A dose of 1,000 microg/day proved to be the most effective in lowering MMA levels to within normal limits. Serum tHcy was normalized in six of 11 subjects who had elevated tHcy pretreatment with oral Cbl alone and in one subject in combination with a multivitamin.
How is methylmalonic acid formed?
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) (conjugate base methylmalonate) is a dicarboxylic acid that is a C-methylated derivative of malonate. The coenzyme A linked form of methylmalonic acid, methylmalonyl-CoA, is converted into succinyl-CoA by methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, in a reaction that requires vitamin B12 as a cofactor.
What is MMA syndrome?
Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is an inherited condition caused by a faulty gene. Children with MMA lack a protein that the body needs to break down fats and cholesterol inside cells. As a result, these substances build up in cells, causing damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and other organs that gets worse over time.
What is methylmalonic aciduria?
Methylmalonic acidemia is a disorder in which the body cannot break down certain proteins and fats. The result is a buildup of a substance called methylmalonic acid in the blood. This condition is passed down through families. It is one of several conditions called an “inborn error of metabolism.”
Does B12 deficiency cause joint pain?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common, especially with age, and can result in a number of symptoms such as fatigue, balance problems, anemia, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and joint pain.
Why is my B12 and vitamin D low?
Atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned. Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite.
Does B12 deficiency cause leg pain?
Cobalamin, or vitamin B12, is a vitamin that people can find in animal and dairy food . People who have a vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes experience muscle cramps all over the body.
How can I raise my B12 levels?
To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:
- Beef, liver, and chicken.
- Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.
- Fortified breakfast cereal.
- Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Eggs.
What does methylmalonic acid measure?
What is a methylmalonic acid (MMA) test? This test measures the amount of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in your blood or urine. MMA is a substance made in small amounts during metabolism. Metabolism is the process of how your body changes food into energy. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in metabolism.
What is considered a B12 deficiency?
Patients with B12 levels between 200 and 300 pg/mL are considered borderline, and further enzymatic testing may be helpful in diagnosis. Patients with B12 levels below 200 pg/mL are considered deficient.
How long does B12 deficiency take to correct?
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment.
How fast does B12 deficiency occur?
In healthy people, the body tends to have a store of vitamin B12 that can last two to five years without being replenished. As a result, a deficiency may take several years to develop.
Is 500 a good B12 level?
The vitamin B12 standard reference range is 200–700 pg/ml whereas the proposed optimal range is 500–1300 pg/ml . Higher vitamin B12 ranges have been associated with increased cognitive function, and reflexes, decreased brain atrophy, confusion, weakness and depression .