Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA) Test
Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA) Test
The methylmalonic acid (MMA) test is a biochemical investigation used to measure MMA levels in the blood or urine. Methylmalonic acid is produced in small amounts in the body during the metabolism of certain amino acids and fatty acids. However, during vitamin B12 deficiency, MMA levels in the blood and urine increase owing to the inhibition of specific metabolic pathways. Therefore, vitamin B12 regulates how much MMA the body makes. The presence of kidney diseases also influences MMA levels in the circulation. Â
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect your symptoms are either related to mild or early-stage vitamin B-12 deficiency or due to kidney dysfunction. They may also order this test to clarify ambiguous vitamin B-12 or abnormal homocysteine test results.
What is the Methyl Malonic Acid Test Used For?
A methylmalonic acid test is used
To diagnose deficiency of vitamin B-12 in individual having related symptoms
To screen newborn babeies for methylmalonic acidemia (rare inherited metabolic disorder)
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency
Common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include
Nerve damage
Loss of movement
Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
Mood swings
Cognitive impairment
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Pale skin
Excessive tiredness
Preparation for Test
Do not eat or drink except water for 8-10 hours before sample collection. But ensure that your doctor is aware of the medicines you take or any underlying medical conditions you may have.
Interpretation of Test Results
The test results may vary depending on the lab used.
Positive result (Abnormal)
This report indicates the presence of higher-than-normal levels of MMA in the provided sample. In adults, it would suggest likely Vitamin B12 deficiency or kidney disease, whereas in babies, it would indicate a probable diagnosis of methylmalonic acidemia. Additional lab testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
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Negative results (Normal)
This report suggests normal MMA levels.
FAQs
Why do I need a methylmalonic acid test?
You need this test if your symptoms suggest a vitamin B12 deficiency or kidney dysfunction. It may also be performed as a screening test for newborn babies to identify methylmalonic acidemia, a group of genetic disorders characterized by metabolic ketoacidosis, developmental delay, and failure to thrive.
What other blood test is done along with the MMA test?
Besides the MMA test, your doctor may order a homocysteine blood test to better understand your MMA results or to diagnose your symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Â
Why detect MMA and not Vitamin B12 to detect the deficiency?
In several studies, it has been shown that determining MMA in urine or serum is a more reliable way to detect vitamin B12 deficiency because MMA can often be detected even before the levels of vitamin B12 decrease abnormally and full-blown symptoms arise.
Are there limitations to the MMA test?
While elevated MMA indicates vitamin B12 deficiency, it can't determine the severity of the deficiency or its likelihood of progressing. Moreover, there can be variations in the MMA results when measured over time.
What does it mean If my MMA serum result is too low?
Having lower-than-normal levels of MMA in test results in blood or urine is rare, but it is not typically a cause of concern.
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