Venous blood test for investigation of Vitamin B12 deficiency
An MMA test (Methylmalonic Acid Test) is recommended to investigate possible vitamin B12 deficiency, which is important as this deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nerve damage and cognitive disorders. These symptoms can sometimes be mild and overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis difficult without specific tests. An elevated concentration of MMA in the blood supports the diagnosis of B12 deficiency and can facilitate decisions about appropriate treatment. Note that the analysis is usually carried out once a week, test results may take longer than five working days.
Relation to Vitamin B12?
When there is a lack of vitamin B12, MMA cannot be converted efficiently, which causes the concentration of MMA in the blood to rise. This makes MMA a sensitive marker of B12 deficiency and can be used more specifically than just measuring levels of B12 directly. A high MMA value can be one of the first signs of B12 deficiency, even before symptoms such as anemia or neurological problems appear.
Diagnostic use
Due to its sensitivity, measurement of MMA is often used in clinical settings to diagnose and monitor B12 deficiency. It is particularly useful in people whose symptoms are uncertain or where other indicators do not provide clear answers. Since B12 deficiency can lead to serious complications, it is important to be able to identify and treat B12 deficiency at an early stage. MMA tests are also valuable to monitor the effectiveness of B12 treatment and see how well the body is responding to treatment.
