Methylmalonic acid
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Methylmalonic acid | |
---|---|
IUPAC name | 2-methylpropanedioic acid |
Identifiers | |
CAS number | [516-05-2] |
PubChem | |
MeSH | |
SMILES | CC(C(=O)O)C(=O)O |
Properties | |
Molecular formula | C4H6O4 |
Molar mass | 118.088 g/mol |
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a dicarboxylic acid that is a C-methylated derivative of malonate.
[edit] Pathology
Increased methylmalonic acid levels may indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, it is sensitive without being specific. MMA is elevated in 90-98% of patients with B12 deficiency. This test may be overly sensitive, as 25-20% of patients over the age of 70 have elevated levels of MMA, but 25-33% of them do not have B12 deficiency. For this reason, MMA is not routinely recommended in the elderly. [1]
An excess is associated with methylmalonic acidemia.