B12 is one of the most important vitamins in the human body having an important role in maintaining the nerve and blood cells of the body, and help in making DNA and genetic material. Deficiency in this vitamin can result to a number of minor to major health related issues. Human Methylmalonic Acid is a substance produced in human body that is important for energy production and metabolism.

How is this test used?

The Methylmalonic Acid test is used to diagnose deficiency in vitamin B12. It can be used as an individual test or even with homocysteine test. On a general note, vitamin B12 promotes conversion of methylmalonyl CoA (a form of MMA) to succinyl Coenzyme A. Testing of this is required to detect methylmalonic academia, which is an inherited metabolic disorder.

It is important to determine Methylmalonic Acid by checking its contents in serum and urine, a decrease in level of this acid is not considered normal. Rather, with a decrease in B12 vitamin, there can be a host of problems as paranoia, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, a decrease in regular metabolic activities.

As per new studies of 2016, people with a low Methylmalonic Acid content, can have their MUT enzyme that is low in MMA content replaced by specific gene therapy for improving human condition.