Methylmalonic acid (MMA) test
Explanation
Methylmalonic acid, or MMA, is a substance formed during the body’s processing of food. Its level can rise when there is not enough vitamin B12 for these processes to work properly.
Why test MMA as well as vitamin B12?
MMA can help clarify whether a borderline vitamin B12 blood result reflects a deficiency. It provides information about processes that need B12, rather than simply measuring how much of the vitamin is in the blood.
Does a raised MMA prove B12 deficiency?
No. Reduced kidney function can also raise blood MMA. The result needs to be considered with the B12 level, symptoms and kidney tests. The MMA number alone does not show how severe a deficiency is.
Blood, urine and newborn testing
MMA can be measured in blood or urine, so the sample type matters. In newborn testing, it can help investigate a rare inherited condition called methylmalonic acidemia, in which the body cannot process certain substances normally. This is a different testing context from checking an adult for B12 deficiency.
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