Methylmalonic Acid, Quantitative- Serum

The Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) test is a blood test that detects the level of methylmalonic acid present in your bloodstream. This substance is produced as a by-product of metabolism.

Metabolism is a physiological process that involves the conversion of food into energy. However, an excess of methylmalonic acid can impact your health negatively.

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in controlling the production of MMA. When you succumb to a vitamin deficiency, your body starts producing MMA in excess. This excessive production of MMA is detected by Apollo 24|7’s

Methylmalonic Acid test (MMA). The test can determine whether you have a vitamin B12 deficiency by measuring the levels of MMA in your bloodstream.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can be quite harmful. Characterised by symptoms like severe weakness and nerve problems, you must ensure that you consume enough of the vitamin. Since the human body does not manufacture it, you can consume it via food.

Following are some foods that are rich in vitamin B12:

• Cheese 
• Eggs
• Meat
• Fist 
• Certain breakfast cereals
• Beef
• Low-fat milk, etc.

A lower than average level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream can cause various problems. If your body doesn’t receive enough of this important vitamin, you may start experiencing the following symptoms:

• Light headaches 
• Weakness
• Heart palpitations 
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Tingling in the hands and feet 
• Confusion 
• Pale skin 
• Shortness of breath
• Nerve problems (muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, walking issues, etc.)
• Behavioural changes and other mental problems (depression, memory loss, etc.)
• Smooth tongue 
• Heart palpitations

In rare cases, a deficiency of vitamin B12 can also lead to a serious health disorder known as anaemia. This condition occurs due to a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream.

Along with detecting a vitamin B12 deficiency, the test can diagnose a genetic disorder known as Methylmalonic Acidemia. This condition can have the following symptoms:

• Dehydration
• Vomiting 
• Intellectual disability
• Developmental delays 
• Here are some other commonly known causes of a vitamin B12 deficiency:
• Pernicious anaemia
• Gastritis 
• Digestive diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease)
• Transcobalamin II deficiency
• Alcohol use disorder
• Surgery

Hence, if any of these conditions apply to you, it’s important to get the Methylmalonic Acid test done. The MMA test cost is affordable, and you can receive the test results within seven days. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Subramanyam Kolanukuduru, Urologist from apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any risks associated with the Methylmalonic Acid test?

No, there are no risks associated with the Methylmalonic Acid test. It uses a blood sample, so the most that could happen is some light rashes or bruising above your arm vein.

What happens if you leave a B12 deficiency untreated for long?

An untreated B12 deficiency can worsen with time. It can cause considerable nerve damage, and this damage can be permanent if you are too late in treating the B12 deficiency. Get your ailment treated within six months of the symptoms showing up.

What is the most effective way to get your B12 levels back to normal?

One of the fastest and most effective ways of treating your B12 deficiency is through diet adjustment. The richest sources of vitamin B12 are animal products. These include: Cheese  Eggs Beef Meat Certain breakfast cereals Fish Low-fat milk

When should you get the Methylmalonic Acid test done?

When you start showing symptoms that accompany a B12 deficiency, you must get the test done immediately. Some of these symptoms include: Weakness Pale skin  Heart palpitations  Constipation Confusion  Diarrhoea Shortness of breath Tingling in the hands and feet Furthermore, it would be advisable to get a checkup done if you are over 50 years old.

What are considered critically low B12 levels?

Your B12 levels are too low if the value drops below 160 pg/mL (118 pmol/L). This is when you may start showing the symptoms of a B12 deficiency.

Can low B12 levels cause heart issues?

Yes, low B12 levels can eventually lead to heart issues. The deficiency may cause a condition called macrocytosis. This disease can include either fatal or non-fatal coronary illness. It may also cause strokes, myocardial infarctions and other such circulatory diseases.