Anaemia assessment in Reading
If you have been told you are anaemic, or you are worried about tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, dizziness or abnormal blood results, you can book a careful GP-led assessment with me, Dr Asim Naqvi, to help you understand what may be going on.
Worried about anaemia or abnormal blood results?
I often see people who feel exhausted, weak, light-headed, breathless, foggy or simply not themselves, and have either been told they are anaemic or are unsure what their blood results mean.
Some people have a low haemoglobin result. Others have low ferritin, low B12 or low folate but have not been given a clear explanation. Some have been told their results are “borderline” or “not too bad”, yet their symptoms are affecting work, family life, exercise, mood or confidence.
My role is to look at the whole picture – your symptoms, full blood count, iron markers, B12, folate, medical history, risk factors and any previous response to treatment – before advising on the most sensible next step.
Anaemia is not one single condition. It is a blood finding with different possible causes. My aim is to understand the pattern properly, not simply replace iron or B12 without asking why the problem is there.
What is Anaemia?
Anaemia means there are fewer red blood cells than expected, or the amount of haemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal.
Haemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that helps carry oxygen around the body. When haemoglobin is low, symptoms can include tiredness, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Anaemia can have many causes. Iron deficiency is a common cause, but B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, inflammation, chronic illness, kidney disease, blood loss and other medical conditions can also be involved.
This is why I do not look at haemoglobin on its own. I interpret your full blood count alongside your symptoms, ferritin, iron studies, B12, folate and wider clinical picture.
Symptoms I often review
Anaemia can affect people in different ways. Some symptoms are caused by reduced oxygen delivery, while others may relate to the underlying cause, such as iron deficiency, B12 deficiency or another medical issue.
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.
Tiredness, weakness and low stamina
You may feel unusually tired, physically weak, drained after everyday tasks or unable to recover in the way you normally would.Breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance
Some people notice they become breathless on stairs, during exercise or while doing normal activities that used to feel manageable.Dizziness, light-headedness or palpitations
Anaemia can be associated with feeling faint, light-headed or aware of your heartbeat, although these symptoms can also have other causes and should be assessed carefully.Brain fog, low mood or poor concentration
Some patients describe feeling mentally slower, less focused, more irritable or emotionally unlike themselves.Pins and needles, numbness or nerve-type symptoms
These symptoms may suggest B12 or folate deficiency, especially when they occur alongside fatigue, abnormal blood results or neurological concerns. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause abnormally large red blood cells that do not function properly.Symptoms despite treatment or reassurance
Some people come to me because they have taken iron, B12 or folate but still do not feel well, or because their blood results have improved but their symptoms have not.
Understanding your blood results
Anaemia is usually first identified on a full blood count. This test can show your haemoglobin level and other red blood cell markers that help guide what may be happening.
A full blood count is important, but it is rarely the whole answer. I may also look at ferritin, iron studies, B12, folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, kidney and liver function, inflammatory markers and other tests depending on your symptoms and history.
Haemoglobin and full blood count
This helps confirm whether anaemia is present and whether the red blood cells are small, normal-sized or larger than expected.
Ferritin and iron studies
These help assess iron stores and how iron is being transported or used, especially when iron deficiency, inflammation or mixed causes are possible.
B12 and folate
These are important when anaemia is associated with larger red blood cells, nerve symptoms, mouth symptoms, brain fog or other features that suggest deficiency.
Thyroid, kidney and inflammatory markers
These can help identify wider medical contributors that may overlap with fatigue, weakness, low mood, aches or abnormal blood results.
Common causes of anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia
B12 or folate deficiency anaemia
Pernicious anaemia or absorption problems
Blood loss
Inflammation, chronic illness or kidney disease
More than one contributor
My approach to anaemia assessment
Your symptom pattern
Your full blood count in context
Iron, B12 and folate status
Possible blood loss or absorption problems
Cofactors and alternative diagnoses
A practical plan
Iron, B12 and folate - why the pattern matters
Iron, B12 and folate are all involved in healthy blood production, but they affect the body in different ways.
Iron deficiency often causes smaller red blood cells and can lead to low haemoglobin. B12 or folate deficiency can cause larger red blood cells that do not function properly. Sometimes these patterns are clear. Sometimes they are mixed, especially when more than one deficiency is present.
This is why I do not treat one result in isolation. A person may have low ferritin but no anaemia, anaemia with low B12, anaemia linked to inflammation or symptoms that are not fully explained by the blood count.
My aim is to explain what the results show, what they do not prove and what should be considered next.
B12 treatment and follow-up
Treatment depends on the cause of anaemia.
Some people may need oral iron, B12 treatment, folate treatment or dietary advice. Others may need further investigation, specialist referral or treatment of an underlying condition. If iron deficiency anaemia is present, treatment usually involves replacing iron and addressing the underlying cause.
At B12 Metabolic Clinic, I can help you understand whether your anaemia appears to be linked to iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, absorption problems or another issue.
Iron replacement where appropriate
This may include advice around oral iron, tolerability, monitoring and whether an iron infusion may need to be considered.
B12 treatment where appropriate
If B12 deficiency is likely, I can advise whether B12 injections or oral B12 may be suitable depending on your symptoms and risk factors.
Folate and cofactor review
Folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, inflammation and other markers may need to be considered where the clinical picture suggests a wider issue.
Review of response
If treatment is started, I can review symptoms and blood results over time. If the response does not fit, I will consider whether another cause or referral is needed.
When anaemia needs further investigation
Anaemia should not simply be treated repeatedly without asking why it is happening.
Sometimes the cause is clear, such as heavy menstrual bleeding or a known dietary issue. Sometimes it is not. In adults with unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, gastrointestinal causes may need to be considered, particularly when there are digestive symptoms, very low haemoglobin or no obvious explanation.
I may advise speaking to your NHS GP or arranging referral if your symptoms or results suggest that further investigation is needed.
Unexplained or severe anaemia
Possible gastrointestinal blood loss
Neurological symptoms
Poor response to treatment
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.
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.
If you have new or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms, severe weakness, problems walking or symptoms that feel unsafe to wait, please seek urgent medical advice.
Book an anaemia assessment with me
If you are worried about anaemia, low haemoglobin, low ferritin, B12 deficiency, folate deficiency or symptoms that have not been fully explained, you do not need to work it out alone.
I will take time to listen, review your symptoms and results 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.
- What is anaemia?
Anaemia means you have fewer red blood cells than normal or a low amount of haemoglobin in your red blood cells. Haemoglobin helps carry oxygen around the body, so anaemia can cause symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.
- Will treating anaemia fix all my symptoms?
Not always. Anaemia can be important, but not every symptom is caused by low haemoglobin, low iron or low B12. If your symptoms suggest another cause or your response to treatment does not fit, I will explain what else should be considered.
- Can I have treatment privately?
Treatment may be possible privately if it is clinically appropriate. This may include iron treatment, B12 treatment or further blood testing. I will review your symptoms, results and medical history before advising what is suitable.
- Can B12 deficiency cause anaemia?
Yes. B12 deficiency can cause a type of anaemia where the body produces abnormally large red blood cells that do not function properly. It can also be linked to neurological, cognitive, mouth and mood symptoms.
- What is the difference between anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia?
Anaemia means haemoglobin or red blood cells are low. Iron deficiency anaemia means low iron is the reason, or a major reason, for the anaemia. Other causes need to be considered if the pattern does not fit.
- Can I have iron deficiency without anaemia?
Yes. Some people have low iron stores before haemoglobin becomes low. This is why ferritin, iron studies, symptoms and the full blood count need to be interpreted together.
- Is anaemia always caused by low iron?
No. Iron deficiency is a common cause, but anaemia can also be linked to B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, inflammation, kidney disease, blood loss, chronic illness or other medical conditions.
- What symptoms can anaemia cause?
Anaemia can cause tiredness, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness and shortness of breath, especially on exertion. Some people also notice palpitations, brain fog, poor exercise tolerance or feeling generally unwell. These symptoms can have other causes too, so assessment matters.
- How is this different from a standard anaemia blood test?
This is a GP-led assessment, not just a blood test. I look at your symptoms, full blood count, iron markers, B12, folate, risk factors, medical history, possible causes and response to previous treatment before advising on the next step.
If anaemia does not look like the main issue, or if another diagnosis or referral seems more appropriate, I will explain that 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.