Which vitamin deficiency is indicated by elevated Methyl Malonic Acid levels?

Which vitamin deficiency is indicated by elevated Methyl Malonic Acid levels?

• A. Folate
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin B12
• D. Iron

Answer: (C)

Elevated levels of Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA) are specifically associated with a deficiency in Vitamin B12. The metabolism of certain substances within the body relies on Vitamin B12; when there is a deficiency, MMA accumulates due to a disrupted pathway that processes it into succinyl-CoA. This accumulation serves as a clinical marker for Vitamin B12 deficiency. In contrast, deficiencies in folate, Vitamin C, or iron do not lead to an increase in MMA. Folate, for instance, affects the conversion of homocysteine to methionine but does not influence MMA levels directly. Similarly, Vitamin C does not play a role in MMA metabolism, and an iron deficiency is linked to anemia rather than MMA elevation. Understanding the specific metabolic pathways related to Vitamin B12 helps clinicians assess and diagnose related deficiencies accurately.

Elevated levels of Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA) are specifically associated with a deficiency in Vitamin B12. The metabolism of certain substances within the body relies on Vitamin B12; when there is a deficiency, MMA accumulates due to a disrupted pathway that processes it into succinyl-CoA. This accumulation serves as a clinical marker for Vitamin B12 deficiency.

In contrast, deficiencies in folate, Vitamin C, or iron do not lead to an increase in MMA. Folate, for instance, affects the conversion of homocysteine to methionine but does not influence MMA levels directly. Similarly, Vitamin C does not play a role in MMA metabolism, and an iron deficiency is linked to anemia rather than MMA elevation. Understanding the specific metabolic pathways related to Vitamin B12 helps clinicians assess and diagnose related deficiencies accurately.