Methylmalonic Acid
MMA
Description
Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) test checks the level of MMA in your blood or urine to see if your vitamin B12 levels are in a healthy range. Sometimes, your doctor might suggest this test if they’re concerned about pernicious anemia, low B12, or trouble with how your body absorbs nutrients. High MMA levels can mean your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B12, which might leave you feeling tired, affect your nerves, or even cause memory problems. Your doctor will test a blood or urine sample, and unusual results could mean your body isn’t processing B12 properly or point to rare metabolic conditions. This test can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with symptoms like feeling weak, numbness, or trouble remembering things. The results can help your doctor understand the cause of the issue and recommend steps like taking B12 supplements or changing your diet. Monitoring your MMA levels over time can help you and your doctor manage your vitamin B12 levels and keep your metabolism working well.
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Test Category
Metabolites
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Units
Nanomoles Per Liter
Test Groups
Metabolite Group: These tests focus on evaluating specific metabolites, offering insights into metabolic function and related health considerations.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 0.00–300.00 nmol/L
SI Unit: 0.00–300.00 nmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 0.00–378.00 nmol/L
SI Unit: 0.00–378.00 nmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Celiac disease (Autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients)
Crohn's disease (Chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the digestive tract)
Gastric bypass surgery
Genetic factors (Inherited conditions affecting metabolism)
Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (Rare genetic disorder causing v...
Key Reasons For Testing
Diagnosis of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Detects elevated MMA levels indicative of impaired B12 metabolism.
Assessment of Pernicious Anemia: Aids in diagnosing anemia caused by B12 absorption issues.
Monitoring Response to Therapy: Tracks MMA levels to evaluate the effectiveness of B12 supplementation.
Differentiation of Megaloblastic Anemia: Distinguishes B12 deficiency from other macrocytic anemia causes.
Assessment of Neurological Symptoms: Identifies elevated MMA levels linked to B12 deficiency-related neuropathy or cognitive issues.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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