GP-led B12, iron and metabolic assessment in Reading
If you have been feeling unusually tired, light-headed, weak, foggy or simply not yourself, you can book a careful GP-led assessment with me, Dr Asim Naqvi, to help you understand what may be going on.
I help people who feel something has been missed...
I’m Dr Asim Naqvi MRCGP, a UK General Practitioner with many years of clinical experience and a strong interest in B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency, anaemia and complex symptoms.
I often see patients who have been living with symptoms for months or years. Some have been told their blood tests are “normal” but still feel unwell. Others have already been diagnosed with B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency or anaemia but still do not feel they have a clear plan.
At B12 Metabolic Clinic in Reading, my aim is to look at the whole picture – your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, blood results and response to any previous treatment – before advising on the most sensible next step.
This is not a general vitamin clinic and it is not a narrow injection or infusion service. It is a GP-led assessment clinic for people with possible B12, iron or related metabolic issues, especially where symptoms are complex, persistent or have not been fully explained.
You may come to see me because you feel something has not been properly explained.
Your symptoms may be affecting your work, family life, exercise, mood or confidence. You may have tried B12 injections or tablets already but still do not feel right. You may have low-normal results that have been dismissed. Or you may simply want a careful second opinion from a GP who has spent years studying this area.
Not every symptom is caused by B12 or iron.
My role is to avoid missing a treatable deficiency or metabolic issue while still practising careful, honest medicine. If your symptoms suggest another diagnosis, urgent assessment or specialist referral, I will explain that clearly.
Fatigue, weakness and brain fog
This may include severe tiredness, poor memory, reduced concentration or feeling mentally slower than usual.Pins and needles, numbness or nerve-type symptoms
Some people describe burning feet, tingling, nerve pain, poor coordination or balance problems.Dizziness, light-headedness or palpitations
These symptoms can be unsettling, especially when routine checks have not given a clear answer.Mouth, mood or pain symptoms
This may include burning mouth, glossitis, angular cheilitis, mouth ulcers, low mood, anxiety, headaches, migraines or pain syndromes.Low iron, heavy periods or recurrent deficiency
I see patients with iron deficiency, low ferritin, iron deficiency anaemia or symptoms that return after previous treatment.Symptoms despite treatment or previous reassurance
This may include symptoms despite B12 injections or tablets, suspected pernicious anaemia, autoimmune gastritis, long Covid, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, functional neurological disorder or medically unexplained symptoms.
A different kind of B12 assessment
B12 deficiency is often thought of as a blood problem that causes anaemia. In real clinical practice, symptoms can be wider than that.
Some people have neurological, cognitive, mood, mouth, fatigue or balance symptoms, and anaemia may not always be obvious at the start. NICE guidance recognises that assessment should consider symptoms, signs, risk factors and blood test results together, rather than relying on one result alone.
Iron deficiency, folate problems, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disease, autoimmune gastritis, medication effects, gut absorption problems and other medical issues can overlap. Sometimes there are several pieces to the clinical jigsaw.
I do not treat a number on a screen. I look at the person in front of me, the pattern of symptoms, the risk factors, the blood results, the possible causes and the response to any previous treatment.
I also look for other contributors, because B12 is not always the whole story.
How I can help you
Private GP-led assessment
A careful consultation to review your symptoms, history, results and possible causes before agreeing the next sensible step.
Private blood tests
Focused testing for B12, folate, ferritin, iron, anaemia, vitamin D, thyroid function and related markers where appropriate.
B12 injections
Assessment and treatment support for B12 injections when they are clinically appropriate, with clear advice on follow-up.
Pernicious anaemia support
Help understanding suspected or diagnosed pernicious anaemia, autoimmune gastritis, B12 absorption and monitoring.
Iron deficiency and infusions
Assessment of low ferritin, iron deficiency and anaemia, including whether an iron infusion may be suitable.
Follow-up and response review
Structured review of symptoms, blood results and treatment response so the plan can be adjusted where needed.
B12 does not work in isolation
Iron, folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, inflammation, autoimmune disease, gut health and medication effects can all influence how someone feels. Patients often have more than one contributor.
That is why I do not look at B12 on its own. I look for patterns and overlaps that may explain why symptoms are persisting, why treatment has only partly helped or why previous results have felt confusing.
Iron and ferritin
Folate and vitamin D
Thyroid and inflammation
Absorption and autoimmune background
What happens when you book a consultation
You tell me what has been happening
I start by listening. I want to understand what has changed, how long your symptoms have been present and how they are affecting your work, family life, exercise, mood and confidence.
I review your background carefully
I look at your medical history, medication, diet, gut symptoms, menstrual history, family history, previous diagnoses and any past investigations.
I assess your risk factors
This may include autoimmune disease, gut problems, medication effects, vegan or restricted diet, nitrous oxide exposure, bariatric surgery, heavy periods or a family history of related conditions.
I interpret your results in context
I review relevant results such as B12, folate, ferritin, iron studies, vitamin D, thyroid markers and other tests where available.
I explain my clinical opinion clearly
I will explain what I think may be going on, what the results support, what they do not prove and whether B12, iron or another issue seems most relevant.
We agree a practical plan
Your plan may include further testing, B12 treatment, iron treatment, monitoring, symptom tracking, lifestyle advice, a GP letter or referral where appropriate.
What makes my approach different?
I offer GP-led whole-person assessment
I look at B12 plus cofactors
I use clinical pattern recognition
I practise honest medicine
I believe follow-up matters
I am building education in this area
I see patients through B12 Metabolic Clinic in Reading, Berkshire and support people from the surrounding area.
Remote consultations may also be available where clinically appropriate. If blood tests, B12 injections or iron infusions are needed, I will explain what can be arranged safely and practically.
B12 Metabolic Clinic is not an emergency service
Please seek urgent help through NHS 111, 999 or A&E if you have severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, weakness on one side of the body, new confusion, black stools, heavy bleeding, rapidly worsening symptoms or anything that feels severe, sudden or unsafe to wait.
Book an appointment with me
If you are worried about B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency, anaemia or symptoms that have not been fully explained, you do not need to work it out alone.
I will take time to listen, review the evidence carefully and help you understand the most sensible next step.
Frequently asked questions
If you are considering an appointment, you may have questions about blood tests, B12 injections, iron infusions or whether this clinic is right for your symptoms. I have answered some of the most common questions below, but if you are unsure, you are welcome to get in touch before booking.
- Can I book if I already have blood test results?
Yes. If you already have NHS or private blood test results, please send them before your appointment if possible. I can review them alongside your symptoms, risk factors, medical history and any previous treatment response.
A result can be useful, but it needs context. My aim is to explain what your results show, what they do not prove and what the most sensible next step may be.
- Can you tell me if all my symptoms are caused by B12?
Not without a proper assessment, and sometimes the answer is no.
B12 deficiency can be important, but not every symptom is caused by B12. My role is to assess the full pattern carefully and consider B12, iron, folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, inflammation, medication effects and other possible causes where relevant.
If B12 does not look like the main or only issue, I will say so clearly.
- Is this a general vitamin clinic?
No. B12 Metabolic Clinic is not a general supplement or vitamin clinic.
It is a medically led service for people with possible B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency, anaemia and complex symptoms where careful GP assessment is needed.
- Is this clinic only for B12 deficiency?
No. My clinic focuses on B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency, anaemia and related metabolic concerns.
This may include reviewing folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, inflammatory markers, autoimmune background, gut absorption issues and previous treatment response where relevant.
- Can I have an iron infusion privately?
An iron infusion may be considered privately if it is clinically appropriate.
I will review your symptoms, ferritin, iron studies, full blood count, medical history and any previous response to oral iron before advising whether an iron infusion may be suitable. Iron treatment should also include thinking about why iron is low, not simply replacing it without context.
- What if my B12 result is “normal” but I still have symptoms?
A normal B12 result may be reassuring, but it does not always explain the whole picture.
I will consider your symptoms, risk factors, other blood markers, supplement use and response to any previous treatment before advising whether B12 deficiency, another deficiency or another medical condition should be considered. B12 tablets, injections, sprays or patches can also affect blood test interpretation, so it is important to tell me what you have already used
- Can B12 deficiency cause symptoms without anaemia?
Yes. B12 deficiency can cause symptoms even when anaemia is not obvious. Current UK guidance says B12 deficiency should not be ruled out only because anaemia or enlarged red blood cells are absent.
This is one reason I look at your symptoms, risk factors and blood results together rather than relying on one result alone.
- Do I need a blood test before B12 injections?
In many cases, blood tests are helpful before starting B12 injections, especially if your symptoms are new, the cause is unclear or you have not had a proper assessment.
I will advise what is appropriate for your situation. If B12 injections are suitable, I will explain why. If another test, treatment or referral is more sensible, I will say so clearly.
- Where is B12 Metabolic Clinic based?
B12 Metabolic Clinic is located at The Forbury Clinic in Reading, Berkshire.
Remote consultations may also be available where clinically appropriate. If blood tests, B12 injections or iron infusions are needed, I will explain what can be arranged safely and practically.