Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA) Test
Blood Sample
Free Home Collection
Digital Smart Report
Recommended for Male/Female
NABL & CAP Certified Labs
Trusted by Leading Doctors & Organizations
About 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.
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 babies 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
Test preparation
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 the 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.
Negative results (Normal)
This report suggests normal MMA levels.
FAQs on Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA) Test
This test is needed when symptoms suggest vitamin B12 deficiency or kidney dysfunction. It may also be used as a newborn screening test to detect methylmalonic acidemia, a group of genetic disorders associated with metabolic ketoacidosis, developmental delay, and failure to thrive.
Along with the MMA test, a homocysteine blood test is often ordered to better interpret MMA results or to help diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency.
MMA is a more reliable marker because it can become elevated before vitamin B12 levels fall and before clear clinical symptoms of deficiency appear.
Although elevated MMA indicates vitamin B12 deficiency, it cannot determine the severity or progression of the deficiency. MMA levels may also vary when measured over time.
Low MMA levels in blood or urine are rare and are generally not considered a cause for concern.
Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA) Test
