Methylmalonic Acid in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the level of methylmalonic acid, a breakdown product of certain amino acids in your body. It helps assess how well your body is processing these nutrients, especially in conditions affecting vitamin B12 or folate metabolism.
["High levels may signal vitamin deficiencies or metabolic disorders; low levels are less commonly evaluated but could relate to genetic or rare metabolic issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24935-9
- Short code
- MR C-spine
- Synonyms
- MR C-spine
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or neurological issues, or if you have conditions like pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, or unexplained metabolic disturbances. It’s also sometimes checked in newborns or during pregnancy to monitor metabolic health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab requires it. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they can sometimes affect results.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure methylmalonic acid levels. The process typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to your lab. Elevated levels may indicate vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, genetic metabolic disorders, or other conditions affecting amino acid metabolism. Your doctor will discuss the meaning with you based on your full medical picture.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated methylmalonic acid is strongly linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, as it’s a key indicator of impaired metabolism of this essential nutrient. It can also signal rare inherited disorders like methylmalonic aciduria, which require specialized management. Low levels are less frequently evaluated but may warrant further investigation in certain genetic or metabolic contexts.
Short name
MMA Serum/Plasma
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated methylmalonic acid levels?
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I take supplements to lower methylmalonic acid levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy