MMA urine test

[cefjarth]

Hi all, does anyone know how accurate the MMA urine test is?

[Polaris]

Have just looked this up in "The Vitamin B12 Deficiency Survival Guide" :

"Methylmalonic acid can be detected both in the blood and in the urine. However, according to many studies, the urinary test is much better. Let's see why:

"It is more sensitive than the test for the measurement of serum B12 levels.

It is more sensitive than the serum MMA test.

It is extremely specific (almost 99%).

In addition, those who have neurological impairment due to B12 deficiency excrete higher amounts than those who don't, meaning this test can be used to judge whether a person is on the path of acquiring permanent neurological deficit or has already got it".

The whole thing about tests is very confusing, as most publications now say there is no reliable test and patients should be treated on symptoms.

It also seems to be very difficult to get a GP to carry out anything other than the serum B12, without a referral to a specialist.

[cefjarth in reply to Polaris]

Thanks polaris

[Gambit62 Administrator]

In relation to B12 deficiency the MMA test is looking at levels of a harmful waste product that builds up if your body is B12 deficient - but it doesn't narrow it down to B12 itself as there could be other factors involved, which is why it can be useful in identifying a problem.

Same is true with homocysteine

[cefjarth in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks gambit