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We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, or memory problems that might be related to vitamin B12 deficiency. It's particularly helpful when standard B12 tests are inconclusive or borderline, as methylmalonic acid provides a more sensitive and accurate assessment of your body's actual B12 status. Many people use this test when they have symptoms of B12 deficiency but want definitive answers about what's causing their fatigue and neurological symptoms.
No special preparation is typically required for this test. You can have it done at any time of day and don't need to fast beforehand. However, if you're currently taking vitamin B12 supplements, let your healthcare provider know, as this may affect interpretation of results. It's best to maintain your normal diet and supplement routine before testing to get an accurate picture of your current B12 status.
This test measures methylmalonic acid, which is a highly sensitive marker that becomes elevated when your body doesn't have enough usable vitamin B12. When B12 is deficient, your cells can't complete certain metabolic processes, causing methylmalonic acid to accumulate in your blood. This makes it one of the most accurate ways to detect true B12 deficiency, especially in cases where standard B12 blood tests might miss the problem or show borderline results.
What this means
Your methylmalonic acid level is elevated, which indicates your body is not getting enough functional vitamin B12 at the cellular level. This can explain symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or neurological issues such as numbness and tingling. Even if a standard B12 blood test showed borderline results, this elevated methylmalonic acid confirms true B12 deficiency that needs attention.
Recommended actions
Start vitamin B12 supplementation (sublingual or oral B12, typically 1000-2000 mcg daily)
Include more B12-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy in your diet
Discuss absorption issues with your doctor if you have digestive problems or take certain medications
Retest in 8-12 weeks after starting supplementation to monitor improvement