B12 - Could you be deficient?
Vitamin B12 is involved in the production of red blood cells, is essential for DNA synthesis and regulation and helps to keep the nervous system healthy. If you do not have enough B12 then your body produces abnormally large red blood cells that can not function properly.
Where do we get vitamin b12 from?
We get vitamin B12 from eating meat, eggs, and milk. If your diet is low in these or you have problems absorbing the nutrients you get from your food then you can become vitamin B12 deficient.
Who is affected by B12 problems?
Some people are more likely to be affected by B12 deficiency than others.
People who are more likely to be affected by B12 deficiency are:
Older adults: Their bodies may not be able to absorb vitamin B12 as well
People with digestive issues: Disorders like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease can make it harder for the body to absorb vitamin B12.
People with stomach or intestine surgery: Weight-loss surgery or gastrectomy can make it harder for the body to absorb vitamin B12.
People on strict vegetarian or vegan diets: Vitamin B12 is only naturally found in animal products like meat and dairy
Pregnant or breastfeeding people: A deficiency can harm both the mother and baby.
How would I know if I have a B12 deficiency?
The symptoms of B12 deficiency can be subtle initially but become more pronounced as the deficiency worsens.
Early signs include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If left untreated, more severe symptoms may develop, such as:
- Memory problems
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- And even neurological changes like mood disturbances and cognitive decline.
In extreme cases, a B12 deficiency can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system.
What causes B12 deficiency?
B12 deficiency can be caused by a number of factors such as:
Diet – Vitamin B12 is found in meat, eggs, and milk, so if your diet does not contain a lot of these ingredients you may need to take supplements. Alcohol can also inhibit the absorption of vitamin B12.
Medications – Some medications can affect how well the body absorbs vitamin B12. Medications such as heartburn medicines, metformin, anticonvulsants, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Pernicious anemia, where the immune system attacks stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor, is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.
Other conditions that can cause deficiency include autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and thyroid disease, as well as chronic pancreatic disease.
Surgeries such as weight loss surgeries, can reduce the amount of intrinsic factor produced and the amount of space available for vitamin B12 absorption.
B12 Blood Tests
As the symptoms of B12 deficiency can be similar to other conditions we have a range of blood tests to investigate the cause of your symptoms.
Vitamin Profile - £119
This profile is to check your Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folate levels. Vitamins are a group of substances that our bodies need for normal cell function, growth and development.
Vitamin D,
Vitamin B12
Folate
Anemia Profile - £99
This test is designed to discover clues in your blood as to why you may be feeling unusually tired or fatigued. It will give you information on several common causes of anemia.
It includes tests for iron levels including ferritin (iron stores), a full blood count, vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) levels.
Iron Study: Iron, UIBC/TIBC,
Transferrin Saturation
Ferritin
FBC+5-part differential
ESR
Vitamin B12, Folate
Consultations
B12 Consultation
If you have symptoms that you would like to discuss with a doctor, or perhaps you already have blood test results or know that you have a B12 Deficiency but have questions you would like to ask a GP then our B12 consultation is for you. It’s a 30 minute appointment in which you can discuss your symptoms, concerns and ask any questions you may have. By the end of the appointment you will have felt listened to and know the next step forward.
Team
Our Clinicians
Your appointment will be with Dr James Cave.
Dr Cave is an experienced and respected GP with many years working with patients with symptoms of fatigue and B12 deficiency
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
If you are not sure which is the best appointment then call us on 01635 791 301 and we can help you make the right decision.
Yes.
If it is found that you have a B12 deficiency this can be treated with supplementation or B12 injections.
If required a course of B12 injections is given as a loading dose of 6 injections over 3 weeks.
B12 injections are available on the NHS.
If you wish to have injections privately at Total Health West Berkshire then the cost is £299.
Three follow up injections (usually given every 12 weeks) can be added to this for an additional £50.
Further B12 injections can be given at spacings of no less than 8 weeks apart at a cost of £20 per injection.
B12 injections are given by a GP and Healthcare assistant during the load dose phase and by a health care assistant after that.
If you feel you may require B12 Injections more frequently than every 8 weeks this can be arranged after consultation with our GP at an additional cost.