What is the best test for B12 status?
- Thread starter Patrick H
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Methyl90
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I firmly believe in the MMA test because the serum test (at least in my case) indicated really high values (a sign, however, that it is not absorbed at an intracellular level).
In the absence of MMA, consider elevated serum values as a sign of 100% deficiency.
In the absence of MMA, consider elevated serum values as a sign of 100% deficiency.
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I've read, Sherry Rogers I think, that the MMA test is pretty much the gold standard for B12 sufficiency.
SlamDancin
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@Methyl90 I have high serum b12. Not sure about MMA. If it’s not being absorbed intracellularly than supplementation shouldn’t make a difference right?
Methyl90
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Take a hair mineral test and look for lithium ... it's critical for B12 absorption.
Methyl90
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I've never done this in urine but if you get the chance you can do both.
SlamDancin
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Thanks I just started taking Lithium Orotate not too long ago actually
Shanti1
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Urinary MMA or serum MMA can pick up on a deficiency much earlier than serum B12. Additionally, a while back I got to view a series of tests where individuals had elevated serum B12 while the MMA indicated B12 deficiency. Here is an example:
Note: High MMA indicates B12 deficiency, The MMA-Normalized is the marker to pay attention to.
Although creatinine was low in the labs above, the chem screen showed normal kidney function.
What is interesting is that I had visibility to follow up in 3 of these cases and the addition of adenosylcobalamin normalized the MMA. These individuals were only taking high doses of methylcobalamin.
You can see in the image below that adenosylcobalamin is responsible for lowering MMA. Theoretically, any form of B12 you take should be able to convert intracellularly to other forms, however, case reports on this forum and in the 3 individuals mentioned above indicate some individuals may need to supplement with adenosyl.
Note: High MMA indicates B12 deficiency, The MMA-Normalized is the marker to pay attention to.
Although creatinine was low in the labs above, the chem screen showed normal kidney function.
What is interesting is that I had visibility to follow up in 3 of these cases and the addition of adenosylcobalamin normalized the MMA. These individuals were only taking high doses of methylcobalamin.
You can see in the image below that adenosylcobalamin is responsible for lowering MMA. Theoretically, any form of B12 you take should be able to convert intracellularly to other forms, however, case reports on this forum and in the 3 individuals mentioned above indicate some individuals may need to supplement with adenosyl.
Shanti1
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Here is one of the 3 cases (posted with permission) demonstrating a need to take adenosylcobalamin in addition to methyl to control MMA
Labs are from a vegan male:
For the labs below, he was taking 500mcg cyanocobalmin every 10 days, MMA shows B12 deficiency, serum B12 is normal.
It was suggested he take 1000mcg of Methylcobalamin daily
Labs 1 year later while still on methycobalamin:
It was suggested he add adenosylcobalamin to the methylcobalamin (amount was not specified)
Labs one year later show MMA was normalized on both methyl and adenosyl (serum B12 not measured)
Labs are from a vegan male:
For the labs below, he was taking 500mcg cyanocobalmin every 10 days, MMA shows B12 deficiency, serum B12 is normal.
It was suggested he take 1000mcg of Methylcobalamin daily
Labs 1 year later while still on methycobalamin:
It was suggested he add adenosylcobalamin to the methylcobalamin (amount was not specified)
Labs one year later show MMA was normalized on both methyl and adenosyl (serum B12 not measured)