GP-led treatment support for B12, iron and related metabolic concerns in Reading

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 set up B12 Metabolic Clinic to give patients time, careful assessment and clear clinical thinking when symptoms or blood results have not been fully explained.

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GMC 4262138
UK General Practitioner, qualified 1996
Medical Adviser to The B12 Society
Contributor to NICE guideline NG239 via The B12 Society

I qualified as a doctor in 1996 and have worked for many years as a UK General Practitioner

Over time, I became increasingly interested in patients with persistent tiredness, brain fog, dizziness, nerve symptoms, pain, palpitations, low mood, mouth symptoms and other problems that did not always fit neatly into one diagnosis.

Some of these patients had B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency or anaemia. Some had low-normal or borderline results that needed more careful interpretation. Others had symptoms that were eventually explained by something else.

My approach is not to assume that every symptom is caused by B12, iron or a vitamin deficiency. My role is to listen carefully, look for patterns, interpret results in context and practise honest medicine.

If a treatable deficiency or metabolic issue has been missed, I want to help identify it. If another diagnosis or referral is more appropriate, I will explain that clearly.

I set up B12 Metabolic Clinic because I often meet patients who feel stuck between symptoms and uncertainty

They may have been told their blood tests are “normal”, but still feel far from well. They may have started B12 injections or iron treatment but have not had a clear review of whether the treatment is working.

They may have symptoms labelled as stress, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, long Covid, functional neurological disorder or medically unexplained, but still feel something has been missed.

I wanted to create a clinic where there is time to step back and ask better questions.

What is the symptom pattern?
What do the blood results really show?
Are there risk factors for poor absorption?
Could B12, iron, folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, inflammation or autoimmune background be relevant?
Has the response to treatment made sense?
Is there another diagnosis that needs to be considered?

B12 Metabolic Clinic exists to bring that thinking together in one careful, GP-led assessment.

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B12 Metabolic Clinic is not a general vitamin clinic and it is not a narrow injection or infusion service

B12 deficiency and pernicious anaemia

I assess possible B12 deficiency, suspected pernicious anaemia, autoimmune gastritis, absorption problems and symptoms that may fit a B12-related pattern.

Iron deficiency and anaemia

I review low ferritin, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia more broadly, including possible causes and whether further investigation may be needed.

Blood tests and diagnostics

I arrange and interpret focused blood tests where clinically appropriate, including B12, folate, ferritin, iron studies, full blood count, vitamin D, thyroid function and related markers.

Complex or unexplained symptoms

I see patients with overlapping symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, pins and needles, palpitations, pain, mood symptoms, mouth symptoms or symptoms that have not been fully explained

Why this matters to me

I have seen how distressing it can be when someone feels unwell but does not feel heard.

Many patients are not looking for dramatic promises. They are looking for someone to take their symptoms seriously, review the evidence carefully and explain the next step in plain English.

That is what I aim to offer.

I want patients to leave with a clearer understanding of what may be going on, what is still uncertain and what should happen next. Sometimes that means treatment. Sometimes it means further testing. Sometimes it means reassurance. Sometimes it means referral.

The key is that the plan should make clinical sense.

I am a Medical Adviser to The B12 Society

Alongside my clinical work, I have a strong interest in improving understanding of B12 deficiency, pernicious anaemia and complex metabolic symptoms.

I am a Medical Adviser to The B12 Society and contributed to NICE guideline NG239 via The B12 Society.

I am also developing patient education, research summaries and case-based learning to help build clearer understanding in this area over time.

My aim is to support patients with better information while staying grounded in careful clinical practice.

Visit B12 Society

You may find the clinic helpful if you feel something has not been fully explained

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.

Symptoms affecting daily life
Tiredness, brain fog, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, pins and needles, pain, mouth symptoms or reduced ability to exercise.
Unclear or borderline blood results
B12, ferritin, iron, folate, vitamin D, thyroid or anaemia results that have left you uncertain about what they mean.
Symptoms despite treatment
Ongoing symptoms despite B12 injections, B12 tablets, iron tablets or previous reassurance
A need for a careful second opinion
A GP-led review of your symptoms, medical history, blood results, risk factors and possible next steps.

I believe patients deserve clear, careful and honest medical assessment

I listen first

I want to understand what has changed, how long symptoms have been present and how they are affecting your work, family life, exercise, mood and confidence.

I look at the whole picture

Blood tests matter, but they are only part of the assessment. I consider your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, medication, diet, gut health, autoimmune background and previous treatment response.

I interpret results in context

A result may be low, borderline, technically normal or affected by supplements or previous treatment. I aim to explain what your results show, what they do not prove and what remains uncertain.

I look for cofactors

B12 does not work in isolation. Iron, folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, inflammation, gut absorption and autoimmune factors can all be relevant in the right clinical context.

I practise honest medicine

I will not tell you that every symptom is B12. If B12, iron or anaemia looks relevant, I will explain why. If another diagnosis, further testing or referral seems more appropriate, I will say so.

I believe follow-up matters

Where treatment is started, response should be reviewed. Symptoms, blood results and treatment response can help guide whether the plan is working or whether it needs to be reconsidered.

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.

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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

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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.

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