Tag: Methylmalonic acidemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common issue, especially among the elderly and vegans, and can lead to serious health problems like megaloblastic anemia and neurological damage. Understanding which of the following reactions is vitamin B12 dependent is key to comprehending the vitamin's vital role in human metabolism and cellular health.

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) was first identified in connection with human disease in 1963, when researchers observed elevated urinary levels in patients with pernicious anemia. Contrary to the name, MMA is not a nutrient but rather a metabolic compound whose levels reflect nutrient status, particularly that of vitamin B12. Elevated MMA serves as a critical biomarker for diagnosing B12 deficiency at an early stage, often before serum B12 levels drop significantly.