New Name and Question about MMA and homocysteine levels

[LynetteinUSA]

Hi All - - The other day I was trying to remove the thyroid group from my feed and I accidently removed myself from HealthUnlocked entirely! Anyway, I had to "join" all over again and create a new name. My previous name was Just Me with a bunch of numbers and now it's LynetteinUSA. Lynette is my middle name -it's just easier. I had thought about not even telling you this, but it didn't feel right. So, here's my question: A few weeks ago I had my regularly scheduled blood tests. My MMA was 149 (range of 79-376) and Homocysteine 6.3 (less than 15.1 range). Are these results indicative that I am absorbing b12? Thanks.

[wedgewood]

Welcome back Lynettein USA. YES is the answer ! Excellent!

[EiCa]

I can unequivocally say Yes! as well… at the beginning of my B12 journey (before supplements) my B12 was 112 and my MMA and homocysteine were 2.5 times the high end of the range. Within a couple injections they had dropped in half and after nearly 2 years of injections every 2-3 weeks, I am approaching mid-range.

[LynetteinUSA in reply to EiCa]

That's wonderful, EiCa! It makes me feel good to hear this. I am on sublinguals so knowing I'm absorbing is comforting.

[FlipperTD]

Welcome back! These things happen but you've avoided it getting in the way. Well done.

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

Yes - it all takes time.

My MMA took years to drop into range, despite frequent B12 injections. My homocysteine level however was "normal".

Methylmalonic acid was first tested after the B12 maintenance regime started as I was continuing to deteriorate. ( In the UK, we start off with 6 injections of hydroxocobalamin usually within a couple of weeks to boost low B12 levels, then levels are maintained with one injection every 2-3 months).

MMA stayed raised (not high) for five tests - and on the sixth one, three years later, had reduced to mid-range. It was never tested prior to being given B12 injections. This only usually happens here if there is a concern over B12 symptoms despite B12 serum test giving normal or even high readings, and would usually only be requested by secondary care (hospital consultants). I was lucky that my GP was familiar with the MMA test and managed, with some difficulty, to get one done at primary care level.

Hope you are also having the following monitored: folate, ferritin, vitamin D and thyroid (which I'm sure is being covered). These can often be a bit erratic for a few years too.

Very best of luck.

[LynetteinUSA in reply to Cherylclaire]

Thank you for your reply! Yes, I get folate, iron, vitamin D3, ferritin, and my thyroid checked regularly. I have ordinary hypothyroidism. Thank you again, for your reply...and the best of health to you!