What does it mean when methylmalonic acid is low?

Low levels of B-12 can cause anemia. This is when your body does not make enough red blood cells. This test is used to diagnose a mild and early shortage of vitamin B-12. A high level of MMA can mean that you have a low level of B-12.

What conditions are associated with low levels of methylmalonic acid?

Causes

• B12 deficiency, most often due to a B12-poor diet, issues with nutrient absorption, or drugs that deplete B12 levels (e.g. metformin) [2, 28]
• Poor kidney function.
• Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in short bowel syndrome [29]
• Common harmless genetic mutations [22]
• Genetic disorders [3]

Does low B-12 cause high homocysteine?

Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid can lead to increased homocysteine levels.

Is homocysteine raised in folate deficiency?

The concentration of total homocysteine (tHcy) in serum and plasma is elevated in both folate and cobalamin deficiencies, whereas methylmalonic acid (MMA) in serum, plasma, or urine is a specific marker of cobalamin function.

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 should your methylmalonic acid levels be?

In general, normal levels of methylmalonic acid are between 0.00 and 0.40 umol/mL (micromoles per milliliter). Although higher levels of methylmalonic acid may be an indication of vitamin B-12 deficiency, elevated levels may not warrant immediate treatment.

What does methylmalonic acid in blood test 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.

How do you control 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:

1. Many breakfast cereals.
2. Fortified grain products.
3. Lentils.
4. Asparagus.
5. Most beans.

What do low homocysteine levels indicate?

Most people have low homocysteine levels because the body breaks down the amino acid into usable compounds. High or elevated homocysteine levels could indicate a person has a vitamin deficiency or has an increased risk factor for cardiovascular disease and several other conditions.

What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?

A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as:

• vision problems.
• memory loss.
• pins and needles (paraesthesia)
• loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.

What does a high methylmalonic acid level mean?

What does it mean when your methylmalonic acid is high?

The measurement of elevated amounts of methylmalonic acid in the blood or urine serves as a sensitive and early indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency. A B12 deficiency can occur when your nutrition intake is poor or you have gastrointestinal malabsorption issues.

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.

Is blood homocysteine elevated in migraine?

A 2012 study found that migraine patients with the MTHFR gene mutation were significantly more likely to have elevated levels of a certain amino acid, homocysteine, in their blood. These elevated levels could even be an additional risk factor for Migraine with aura.

What are your homocysteine levels?

A normal level of homocysteine in the blood is less than 15 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L) of blood. Higher levels of homocysteine are split into three main categories: Moderate: 15-30 mcmol/L. Intermediate: 30-100 mcmol/L.

What is methylmalonic acid lab?

The methylmalonic acid test, also known as a methylmalonic acid blood test, methylmalonate lab test and an MMA level test, measures the methylmalonic acid blood level. Methylmalonic acid is an acid that has a role in an energy production process in the body known as the Krebs cycle .