MMA Test - Worth Doing if on supplements?

[Treesong2023]

Hi Folks - quick question - I have been taking Multi-Vit and supplements ( no injections) since the 13th Jan, just after i was tested for serum b12 which found to be okay and MMA. Two weeks later I had an active B12 because my GP had decided not to do the MMA. The B12 active came back as off the ref range. So, that signals to me that I am absorbing B12 okay and its in my blood for metabolising.

I had an IFAB at the same time as the Active B12 i.e. after two weeks of supplements and this came out positive at 1.8 above the 1.5 trigger reference for unequivical. That totally threw me.

I am wondering if an MMA test is worthwhile? Or will the Vit supplements render that test useless? I dont think it makes sense to do it myself - maybe it means three months of no vitamins then test..?

As ever, many thanks and appreciation for any help and guidance.

[Rexz]

Hi there, The only thing I've seen for patient prep regarding MMA serum test is do not take Biotin for 72 hours prior to blood draw. I usually use LabCorp here in the US and here is what their site says regarding MMA under "special instructions":

"This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample."

labcorp.com/tests/141503/vi...

B12 is not mentioned. However, best to check with the specific lab or hospital you will be using as sometimes they use different methods.

To be sure, my personal practice is to stop ALL supplements including my B12 injections for two weeks prior to any blood test.

Hope this is helpful, Rex

[Treesong2023 in reply to Rexz]

Rex,that is very welcome news. I thank you kindly. I think that is a great lab tech steer. I wish our UK labs gave that sort of guidance. However, I started my B12 SI today, as my foot pain and squashy numbness was getting steadily worse week by week. I think I will run with the supplement for a long period and stop to check MMA later.

Kind regards from here to there 🌻

[mcg-woo]

Hello, My doctor ordered this test for me after starting injections. I think she just wanted to make sure that my body was properly using the b12 and my numbers were low, just where they should’ve been. I hope this helps!

[Rexz in reply to mcg-woo]

mcg-woo, yes, MMA test should be performed after B12 injections to ensure a normal MMA. It is expected that if MMA is high prior to B12 therapy then it will normalize afterwards. If MMA does not normalize after injections then there are other issues.

[Treesong2023]

It certainly does mcg-woo - thank you for letting me know. I was on PPI for a long time and I fear I might have something of an absortion issue - so good to know that the MMA can be used to check that metabolic cycle! 🌻