Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is related to increased cardiovascular events: Study

Medical Xpress / University of Bergen / Journal of Internal Medicine ^ | Feb. 3, 2023 | Indu Dhar et al

[ConservativeMind]

A recent study from UiB shows that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid predicts increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease.

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a substance produced from the breakdown of amino acids, odd-chain fatty acids and cholesterol in the body. MMA concentration in blood is reported to be elevated in patients with heart diseases and kidney impairment, and higher plasma MMA is considered a marker of vitamin B12 deficiency.

"In our study, we analyzed the association of plasma MMA with the risk of acute myocardial infarction and death in 7,662 participants of two large, independent cohorts of patients evaluated for either suspected coronary heart disease or verified coronary heart disease," says lead author, Indu Dhar at the University of Bergen.

They found that across both cohorts higher MMA in plasma was associated with reduced renal function and low B12 status at baseline. However, higher plasma MMA predicted increased long-term risk of acute myocardial infarction and total and cardiovascular deaths independent of renal function and B12 status.

"This may suggest that risk relationship between MMA and outcomes is not explained by vitamin B12 status or kidney function alone," says Dhar.

Another important finding findings from this research was the positive association between plasma MMA and risk of dying due to non-cardiovascular causes primarily in patients evaluated for suspected coronary heart disease, thus warranting further research to explore MMA in a wider perspective beyond cardiovascular diseases.

[ConservativeMind]

The Methylmalonic acid (MMA) test is available and normally shows low B-12 or kidney problems. However, it appears it also shows cardio death risk.

[ConservativeMind]

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[P.O.E.]

Better taken together, then?

/jk

Thank you for your posts on these subjects. Please add me to your ping list?

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

C.M. Thanks for posting these!

Counter with nutritional support like brewers yeast and steak and eggs? Or supplements? Or something to break down the MMA?

[ConservativeMind]

The most useful thing would be to redouble your heart-healthy habit.

I don’t think the MMA is the cause of the problem.

[sauropod]

.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Thanks! OK, keep using olive oil, continue to avoid crisco and processed foods with more than 5 ingredients, no smoking, don’t eat too much, fresh produce, Mediterranian diet to the extent you can in the middle of the country.

I lack exercise. Need more exercise.

Again, thanks!