Increased methylmalonic acid occurs when a person has a B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient that can only be obtained from the diet.
This test gives a more complete picture of your B12 status than a serum B12 test alone.
Read more about MMA blood test.
B12 Deficiency can result in cognitive and mental problems, dizziness, numbness, and neurological damage. MMA increases in concentration when vitamin B12 is deficient and is a marker of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common. Up to 20% of the elderly population may have insufficient vitamin B12 levels. Pregnant women, vegetarians, vegans, people with poor absorption, intestinal diseases or those taking stomach acid pills are all at increased risk of B12 deficiency.
Although MMA is considered the current ‘gold standard’ of Vitamin B12 testing, it is significantly more expensive than a serum vitamin B12 test. Hence your doctor will usually order a vitamin B12 test first, and only possibly order an MMA test if B12 is in the lower half of the reference range, and you have symptoms of deficiency or insufficiency.
Testing both vitamin B12 and MMA together gives a better picture of your B12 status. This test requires a blood draw, which can be done at your local clinic. It will be analysed by an accredited lab, such as Karolinska, Synlab, or Unilabs. The first results are usually available within 48h.
What happens next?
The lab sends the results to your personal dashboard, with comments from both a doctor and a nutritionist. If results are abnormal, we recommend seeing a doctor and, if appropriate, booking an appointment with a Nordic Wellth nutrition lifestyle specialist.