Methylmalonic Acid Blood Test
Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) is a better indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency than blood levels of vitamin B12 especially in cases of pernicious anemia.
Why the Methylmalonic Acid Test?
As the body uses B12, it breaks it down into Methylmalonic Acid. Measuring MMA can help you and your doctor understand if B12 is being used by the body. This is critical since B12 is water soluble, if it is not used by the body it is excreted in the urine. This means B12 levels in the blood can seem normal when there is an actual issue with B12 functional usage.
What’s Being Tested:
- Methylmalonic Acid- Serum
Fasting: No
Specimen: Blood (Draw Location | How It Works | FAQs)