Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a substance produced in small amounts during metabolism. Elevated levels are a sensitive and specific marker of vitamin B12 deficiency at the tissue level.
Category: Vitamins & Minerals
Also known as: methylmalonic acid, mma, serum mma, methylmalonate
Reference range: 0–378 nmol/L (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: nmol/L
High values may indicate
High MMA levels strongly suggest vitamin B12 deficiency, even when serum B12 levels appear normal. Elevated MMA may also occur in kidney disease or rare inherited metabolic disorders (methylmalonic acidemia).
Low values may indicate
Low or normal MMA levels indicate adequate vitamin B12 status at the cellular level.