Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) Blood test

A methylmalonic acid test measures levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) to diagnose B12 deficiencies. While it might seem more obvious to check B12 levels directly to see if they’re low, there are benefits to testing both B12 and MMA levels. Testing methylmalonic acid levels gives your provider more information and potentially a more accurate diagnosis.

For instance, tests could show that you have normal levels of B12 but your body’s not able to use it (you might hear this called “bioavailability”). Since low levels of B12 cause your body to make MMA, your MMA levels can give your provider information about whether or not your body’s using B12, even if it seems like you have enough. High MMA levels may also allow providers to detect and treat potential health conditions earlier.

🔍 What’s a normal MMA level?

under 0.40 µmol/L - normal MMA levels in blood (serum).

↑ What does a high MMA level mean?

High MMA levels can be a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can happen if you are not eating enough B12 in your diet or if your body has difficulty absorbing it. Your body cannot make vitamin B12 on its own, so you have to get it from the foods you eat.

🎯 How to treat high MMA?

Treatments for methylmalonic acidemia include supplements, eating low-protein foods and avoiding certain amino acids in foods.