MMA in Plasma

Functional marker of cellular vitamin B12 status that rises when B12-dependent metabolism is impaired. More specific to tissue B12 than serum B12, but also influenced by kidney clearance.
Also known as:
Methylmalonic Acid
P-MMA
Methylmalonate
.

MMA ranges

Interpret your result
"Normal" lab range for MMA is between 80 and 400 nmol/L:
80
400
According to OptimalDX, MMA should be below 260 nmol/L:
260
B12 deficiency was associated with MMA above 245 nmol/L:
245
Optimal range
Optimal range for MMA appears to be below 240 nmol/L:
20
240
320
1000
Why this optimal range?
Preliminary range is based on functional health organizations including but not limited to those listed above.

What a low value may mean:

Common reasons for low MMA:

  • Low MMA is generally not a concern — lower values indicate good functional B12 status with no established lower limit of harm.

What a high value may mean:

Common reasons for high MMA:

  • High MMA most often reflects functional vitamin B12 deficiency — the main and usually correctable cause, as MMA accumulates when B12-dependent metabolism of methylmalonyl-CoA stalls. It is more specific to tissue B12 status than serum B12.

    Non-B12 causes: reduced kidney function (the most important confounder, from decreased clearance), dehydration, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, and gut bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Markedly high levels in infants or children suggest inherited methylmalonic acidemia.

    ,

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Zsolt Szabo
Zsolt Szabo
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