Predict the levels of MMA and homocysteine in patients with Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. A) Both will be normal. B) Both will be decreased. C) Both will be increased. D) MMA will be increased and homocysteine will be normal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies lead to impaired function of methionine synthase, which normally converts homocysteine to methionine using vitamin B12. Consequently, homocysteine builds up in the bloodstream and MMA cannot be converted to succinyl-CoA. Therefore, both MMA and homocysteine will be increased in patients with Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies.

Predict the Levels of MMA and Homocysteine in Patients with Vitamin