Different laboratories may have normal value ranges. Different samples are tested in some labs.
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What is considered a high MMA level?
Normal levels of methylmalonic acid are between 0 and 0.40 umol/ml. B 12 deficiency in children and adolescents can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of absorption of the vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract, an inability to synthesize it in the body, or a combination of these factors.
The most common cause of deficiency is anemia, which is a condition in which the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) in a person’s blood drops below a certain level. This condition is most commonly seen in infants and young children, but can occur in adults as well.
In adults, the RBC count can drop to less than 10,000 cells per cubic millimeter (mcg/mm3) of blood, a level that is considered to be insufficient for normal growth and development.
What does it mean if you have low methylmalonic acid?
MMA leaves your body through your kidneys. A low level of b-12 can cause anemia. Your body doesn’t make enough red cells to replace the ones that are lost. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may not be able to get enough of the vitamin from your diet. You may need to take a supplement. If you don’t have enough, your doctor may recommend that you get more.
What causes low levels of MMA?
B-12 deficiency is the most common cause of MMA production. Red meats, shellfish, fish, dairy, and cereals fortified with vitamins can increase B-12 levels. It is possible that you are at higher risk for MMA if you are a strict vegetarian. MMA is a disease of the nervous system.
It is caused by a deficiency of a protein called tryptophan, which is produced by the body in response to amino acids in the diet. The body can’t make enough of this protein to meet the needs of all of its cells, so it must convert it into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and behavior.
What happens if MMA is high?
MMA levels can be a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Anemia, a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal amount of red blood cells, can be caused by a deficiency of vitamins B12 and B13. It can also cause muscle weakness and fatigue. If you have a high MMA level, your body may not be able to make enough of the vitamin.
What can cause elevated methylmalonic acid?
Elevation of methylmalonic acid may be due to a defect in the metabolism of methylmalonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) or cobalamin (Cbl)/vitamin B12, which are inborn errors of metabolism that are classified as organic acidemias, or inorganic malabsorption syndromes. (MMO) is a synthetic form of vitamin B-12 that is used as a preservative in many foods and beverages.
MMO is also used to prevent the formation of malondialdehyde, a by-product of the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. In addition, it has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has also been found to be effective in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Can you have B12 deficiency with normal MMA?
Normal levels of B12 and MMA have not been established in the general population, despite the importance of laboratory investigations. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of normal serum and serum MMA levels in a representative sample of the U.S. population, and to examine the relationship between these two biomarkers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002.
MMA was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent as (ELISA) and the serum vitamin B-12 level was determined with a radioimmunoas (RIA).
Do you need to fast for MMA blood test?
Fasting is typically required for the blood test. If you want a random urine sample, you should fast overnight, discard the first urine sample of the morning, and repeat the process the next morning. If you are fasting for a long period of time, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
You can do this by drinking a glass of water with each meal, or by taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement. If you do not drink enough fluids, your blood sugar will drop and you may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening.