If you’ve been ordered to have a methylmalonic blood test, then your doctor wants to know what the levels of Vitamin B12 and Folate are in your body. Vitamin B12, which may also be called cobalamin, and folic acid are two essential nutrients that play a role in your health. They are important to the creation of red blood cells and making your DNA and RNA more efficient at building cells.
Vitamin B12 also plays a role in keeping the nervous system healthy. These nutrients are added to many foods, so the average person will get their recommended amounts from the foods they eat daily. Vitamins, supplements, and even energy drinks may also contain these nutrients.
There are two primary reasons why this test may be ordered: you may be suspected of having pernicious anemia or you may be taking medications that limit your body’s ability to absorb these nutrients. Both of these nutrients can be measured in independent tests, but the methylmalonic blood test will provide a combined result that may be required for a proper diagnosis.
Are There Any Risks With the Methylmalonic Blood Test?
The risks of this blood test are minor. There may be a slight pain at the blood draw site and bruising may form around the needle placement. The blood draw site may also be sore for a day or two, depending on the level of bruising that becomes present.
Talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements that you may be taking as they can alter the results. You will want to avoid drinking alcohol or eating high or low nutrient foods before the test. Birth control pills can also affect the accuracy of the results.
What Are the Symptoms of a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Most people have a feeling of fatigue and frequent headaches when they don’t have enough Vitamin B12 in their body. They might also feel like there are pins and needles in their hands and feet, like when a body part “falls asleep” and then comes awake again, but all of the time. There may also be these additional symptoms present.
1. Trouble walking.
2. Difficulties with memory and thinking.
3. Changes in mood.
Not having enough folic acid in one’s diet can contribute to a different set of symptoms. Most people will experience weight loss, diarrhea, and sometimes vague symptoms that cannot be attributed to anything else. Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant or are pregnant should be regularly tested for folic acid levels to prevent the formation of neural tube birth defects.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
There are many factors that come into play with the results of a methylmalonic blood test. Low Vitamin B12 results may indicate a lack of stomach acid, which is common when taking acid reduction medications, such as omeprazole. It may also be an indicator that changes to eating habits may need to be considered. Vegetarians that avoid dairy products or eggs will often develop a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Low folic acid levels may also be caused by dietary choices, but it may also be because your body is naturally resistant to absorbing the nutrient. When Vitamin B12 levels are deficient, it is very common for folic acid levels to also be this way. If only the folic acid levels are low, this may also indicate that you are drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis.
There may be two serious health conditions present: liver disease or chronic leukemia. People who have undergone radiation therapies may have results that are artificially high or low because of their disease treatment.
If your results are not in the normal range, then your doctor will discuss with you the different ways that are available to normalize the levels of these nutrients. The most common form of remedy is to include a dietary supplement that provides these two nutrients specifically. If the levels are too high, then a doctor may recommend dietary changes that can help to naturally lower your levels over time.
When low results are discovered, the most common recommendation is to increase the amount of green, leafy vegetables that are being added. Beans, fruit, and other vegetables are also highly recommended on a regular basis.
How to Resolve Issues Discovered with a Methylmalonic Blood Test.
By taking supplements and changing your eating habits, the abnormal results of this blood test are usually fixed within a few months. Use this information to discuss the blood test with your doctor, bring any questions that you may have about your health, and you’ll be able to design an effective treatment model if it is needed.