What does a high methylmalonic acid level mean?
What does a high methylmalonic acid level mean?
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a substance that is created when your body digests protein. The amount of vitamin B12 in your body controls how much MMA your body makes. A high amount of MMA typically means you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. There are two types of low-risk methylmalonic acid tests. One is a blood test.
What does it mean if your homocysteine is high?
Homocysteine is an amino acid. Vitamins B12, B6 and folate break down homocysteine to create other chemicals your body needs. High homocysteine levels may mean you have a vitamin deficiency. Without treatment, elevated homocysteine increases your risks for dementia, heart disease and stroke.
What causes high levels of methylmalonic acid?
Elevated levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) result from inherited defects of enzymes involved in MMA metabolism or inherited or acquired deficiencies of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or its downstream metabolites.
What is homocysteine and MMA?
In adults, total homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA) in serum or plasma are sensitive markers of cobalamin status and are used for the diagnosis and follow-up of cobalamin deficiency (1–3). tHcy is also elevated in folate deficiency and is used as an indicator of this deficiency state (2, 4).
What is the normal range for methylmalonic acid?
Normal Results Normal values are 0.07 to 0.27 micromoles per liter. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What is a high level of MMA?
A high level of MMA can mean that you have a low level of B-12. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is the most common cause of MMA production. Foods that can increase B-12 levels include red meats, shellfish, fish, dairy, and cereals fortified with the vitamin.
How can I lower my homocysteine levels naturally?
Eating more fruits and vegetables can help lower your homocysteine level. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of folate….Other good sources of folate include:
- Many breakfast cereals.
- Fortified grain products.
- Lentils.
- Asparagus.
- Most beans.
How do you reduce methylmalonic acid?
A dose of 1,000 microg/day proved to be the most effective in lowering MMA levels to within normal limits. Serum tHcy was normalized in six of 11 subjects who had elevated tHcy pretreatment with oral Cbl alone and in one subject in combination with a multivitamin.
How can I lower my homocysteine levels?
How Can You Lower Homocysteine Levels? Elevated homocysteine levels can be lowered. We know that folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are all involved in breaking down homocysteine in the blood. Therefore, increasing your intake of folic acid and B vitamins may lower your homocysteine level.
Why is homocysteine bad?
How is a high homocysteine level harmful? High homocysteine levels in the blood can damage the lining of the arteries. High levels may also make the blood clot more easily than it should. This can increase the risk of blood vessel blockages.
At what level should B12 be treated?
But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
What do low methylmalonic acid levels indicate?
A low methylmalonic acid means that you have normal B12 levels , or you are taking Vitamin B12. It’s meaningless and to continue taking MMA tests when you are on B12, and is a waste of time and money.
What is MMA serum test?
The methylmalonic acid (MMA) serum test is used to help diagnose the early onset or mild B12 deficiency.
What is MMA blood test?
A Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) Blood Test is a test that assesses the levels of MMA in blood. It is used to indirectly detect vitamin B12 deficiency.
What is MMA blood work?
The methylmalonic acid (MMA) blood test is generally used to help a medical provider determine if someone is suffering from a B12 deficiency.
