High levels of methylmalonic acid in the blood may also be an indication of kidney disease. Kidney disease is often identified through the use of other blood and diagnostic tests. Damage to the kidneys can prevent the filtering of methylmalonic acid from the blood.
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).
Is MMA elevated in B12 deficiency?
Both folate and vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to metabolite elevation. In vitamin B-12 deficiency, MMA and HC are elevated, although HC elevation occurs by itself.
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 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.
What does low methylmalonic acid test mean?
Low levels of B-12 can cause anemia. This is when your body does not make enough red blood cells. This test is used to diagnose a mild and early shortage of vitamin B-12. A high level of MMA can mean that you have a low level of B-12.
Do I need to fast for methylmalonic acid test?
Fasting is typically required for the blood test. For a random urine sample, you should fast overnight, discard the first urine sample of the morning, and then collect the second sample.
What should my B12 levels be?
Understanding the Results
But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
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.
How can I lower my MMA?
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 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 does an MMA blood test show?
An MMA test is most often used to diagnose a vitamin B12 deficiency. This test is also used to diagnose methylmalonic acidemia, a rare genetic disorder. It is usually included as part of a series of tests called a newborn screening.
How long does it take to get MMA test results?
This Methylmalonic Acid Serum Test is used to diagnose megaloblastic anemia; elevated levels of methylmalonic acid provide an early indication of cobalamin (B 12) deficiency. Preparation: No special preparation required. Test Results: 6-7 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Is B12 testing accurate?
1. Serum B12 is a conclusive test. The serum B12 test is still widely used as thé test to confirm or rule out a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, a normal blood value cannot rule out a B12 deficiency, as has often been shown in scientific medical literature.
What causes low B12?
You can get vitamin B12 deficiency anemia if you don’t get enough vitamin B12 in your diet from foods like milk, eggs, and meat. You’re more likely to be low in this vitamin if you’re older, or you eat a vegetarian diet. It can also happen if your body can’t absorb enough of it from the foods you eat.
Can low B12 cause weight gain?
Furthermore, while a deficiency in vitamin B12 may not cause weight gain, it can decrease energy levels and contribute to fatigue, making it harder to stay active and manage your weight.
What level is considered low B12?
A serum vitamin B12 level less than 180 ng/L may cause megaloblastic anemia and peripheral neuropathies. Vitamin B12 levels less than 150 ng/L are considered evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency.
How is methylmalonic acidemia treated?
Methylmalonic acidemia is treated primarily with a low-protein, high-calorie diet, certain medications, antibiotics and in some cases, organ transplantation. Medication treatment consists cobalamin (vitamin B12) given as an injection, carnitine, and antibiotics.
How long does it take to correct a B12 deficiency?
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.
What does a B12 deficiency tongue look like?
B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.
What happens when your low on B12?
Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia, which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to do the job. This can make you feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause damage to your nerves and can affect memory and thinking.
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 .
What happens when your B12 levels are too high?
However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can lead to outbreaks of acne and rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.