What is methylmalonic acid and homocysteine?

What is methylmalonic acid and homocysteine?

In adults, total homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA) in serum or plasma are sensitive markers of cobalamin status and are used for the diagnosis and follow-up of cobalamin deficiency (1–3). tHcy is also elevated in folate deficiency and is used as an indicator of this deficiency state (2, 4).

Is homocysteine elevated in B12?

In examining the relationship of serum vitamin B12 levels to homocysteine levels,1 Julie Robertson and colleagues highlight the utility of homocysteine in the clinical investigation of vitamin B12 deficiency. Both methylmalonic acid and homocysteine are elevated in vitamin B12 deficiency.

Does B12 lower homocysteine levels?

Supplementation with vitamins B9, B12, and B6 appears to decrease the homocysteine levels and potentially contributes to stroke prevention although direct evidence is lacking [12, 13]. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be detected in 10–40% of the general population and may contribute to stroke and cognitive decline [14, 15].

Is homocysteine the same as B12?

Homocysteine is an amino acid. Vitamins B12, B6 and folate break down homocysteine to create other chemicals your body needs. High homocysteine levels may mean you have a vitamin deficiency. Without treatment, elevated homocysteine increases your risks for dementia, heart disease and stroke.

Why is homocysteine elevated in B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency, therefore, can lead to increased levels of serum methylmalonic acid. In the second reaction, homocysteine is converted to methionine by using vitamin B12 and folic acid as cofactors. In this reaction, a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid may lead to increased homocysteine levels.

Why is my homocysteine high?

Most people who have a high homocysteine level don’t get enough folate (also called folic acid), vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 in their diet. Replacing these vitamins often helps return the homocysteine level to normal. Other possible causes of a high homocysteine level include: Low levels of thyroid hormone.

Does homocysteine cause inflammation?

Background: An elevated level of homocysteine (Hcy) has been shown to be a cardiovascular risk factor in the majority of research studies. Recently, it was found to be associated with new risk factors such as inflammatory markers.

What are symptoms of low homocysteine?

Most people have low homocysteine levels because the body breaks down the amino acid into usable compounds….Symptoms

• weakness.
• dizziness.
• sores on mouth or tongue.
• tingling in the feet, legs, hands, or arms.
• fatigue.
• pale skin.

What to do if your B12 is too high?

For people with high levels of B-12, treatment involves adjusting your diet. This may mean eating less animal products like meats, dairy, and seafood. If you’re diagnosed with a B-12 deficiency, the goal of treatment is to increase your level of vitamin B-12.

Is too much Vit B12 bad?

Most vitamins and minerals can be toxic if you take too much. However, vitamin B-12 is a little different. Your system only absorbs a small amount at a time and gets rid of what it doesn’t need, which means it’s generally safe, even if you take too much.

What does it mean when your blood test shows high B12 levels?

High vitamin B12 is a symptom of an underlying illness that causes the amount in your blood to increase. For example, a damaged liver may release the vitamin out of storage and into the blood. In early stages, illnesses associated with high vitamin B12 often have generic symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of appetite.