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Methylmalonic acid test for identifying vitamin B12 deficiency causing fatigue and neurological symptoms

Blood Test for Unexplained Fatigue and B12 Deficiency

Methylmalonic Acid

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint vitamin B12 deficiencies accurately
  • Reveal the cause of unexplained fatigue
  • Clarify neurological symptoms with precision
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

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.

How should I prepare for this test?

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.

What's included in this test?

Methylmalonic Acid

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 happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your methylmalonic acid levels mean for your energy, nerve health, and overall wellness. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, B12 supplementation guidance, or whether you should investigate absorption issues with your doctor. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your levels over time using our trends feature to see how supplementation or dietary changes are improving your B12 status.
When will I get my results?
Results for the methylmalonic acid test are typically available within 3-5 business days after your blood sample reaches the laboratory. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account. Complex cases or high-volume periods may occasionally add 1-2 additional days to processing time.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is ideal for people experiencing persistent fatigue, weakness, or neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling. It's especially important for vegans and vegetarians who may not get enough B12 from diet, older adults who may have absorption problems, people with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, and anyone taking medications like metformin that can interfere with B12 absorption. It's also useful if you've had borderline B12 blood test results but still have symptoms.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms that suggest possible B12 deficiency include persistent tiredness and weakness, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, difficulty walking or balance problems, and memory issues or brain fog. You might also experience pale skin, a sore or swollen tongue, mood changes like depression or irritability, or vision problems. If you have these symptoms along with risk factors like a plant-based diet, digestive issues, or age over 50, this test can help identify if B12 deficiency is the underlying cause.
How can I naturally support my B12 levels?
The best dietary sources of vitamin B12 are animal products including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. If you're vegan or vegetarian, focus on B12-fortified foods like plant milks, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast. However, since B12 deficiency often involves absorption problems rather than just dietary intake, many people need B12 supplements in sublingual, oral, or injection form. Maintaining good digestive health and addressing conditions like low stomach acid can also improve B12 absorption.
What is methylmalonic acid and why does it matter?
Methylmalonic acid is a substance produced during normal metabolism that requires vitamin B12 to be broken down properly. When your body lacks sufficient B12, methylmalonic acid builds up in your blood because it can't be converted to the next step in the metabolic process. Elevated levels are a highly specific indicator of functional B12 deficiency, meaning your cells aren't getting enough B12 to work properly, even if blood B12 levels appear normal or borderline.
What does high methylmalonic acid mean?
High methylmalonic acid levels indicate that your body doesn't have enough functional vitamin B12 to support normal cellular metabolism. This suggests true B12 deficiency at the cellular level, which can cause fatigue, neurological symptoms, and potentially lead to anemia if left untreated. Elevated methylmalonic acid is more specific for B12 deficiency than standard B12 blood tests and usually means you'll benefit from B12 supplementation or further investigation into why your body isn't absorbing B12 properly.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
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Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
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Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
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Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
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Demo results
Methylmalonic Acid 425 nmol/L
Demo results
Low Optimal 70 - 270 High
425 nmol/L

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.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
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Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
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Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Blood Test for Unexplained Fatigue and B12 Deficiency

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint vitamin B12 deficiencies accurately
  • Reveal the cause of unexplained fatigue
  • Clarify neurological symptoms with precision

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 3138 reviews Next
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.