Persistent Fatigue & Tingling Despite โNormal B12 Levels Raise concerns About Subtle Deficiency
LONDON – โขNovember 18, โฃ2025 02:26:30 GMT – Individuals experiencing ongoing โคfatigue, numbness, or tingling โinโ hands and feet, even after blood tests indicate normal vitamin B12 levels, mayโ be โfacing a more nuanced deficiency that standard testing oftenโข misses. Experts are increasingly recognizing that conventional B12 assessments may not capture theโฃ full picture of B12 status, leaving a significant number of patients undiagnosedโค and untreated.
While a definitive B12 deficiency is typically identified throughโข serumโข B12 testing, emerging research highlights the importance of evaluating other biomarkers – such as methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine – toโ detect functional B12 deficiency. These tests can reveal whether the bodyโ is effectivelyโค using the B12 itโ has, even if levels appearโ adequate in a standard blood test. An estimated โข1.5% to 15% of adults over 50 experience B12 deficiency, โฃwith rates increasing โwith age, but subtleโ deficiencies impacting quality of life may be far โขmore prevalent.
B12 is crucial forโ nerve function, DNA โsynthesis, and red blood cell production. symptoms of deficiency can rangeโฃ from subtle โฃfatigue and weakness to moreโฃ severe neurological problems. โค factors thatโค can interfere with โคB12 absorption include certain medications (like proton pump inhibitors andโข metformin),gastrointestinal disorders (such as Crohn’s disease โคand celiac disease),andโฃ dietary โchoices (particularlyโ in strict vegans and vegetarians).
“We’re seeing more andโค more patients who fall into a gray area,” explains Dr. Eleanor โDavies, a neurologistโค specializingโค in vitamin deficiencies at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in โLondon. โ”Their standard B12 tests โขcome back within โthe normal range, but they continue toโ experience debilitating symptoms. This suggests that the B12 isn’tโ being properly โคutilized by the body, and further examination isโข needed.”
Individuals experiencing โpersistent symptoms despite normal B12 levels should consult their physician to โคdiscuss additionalโค testing and potential treatment options,โข which may include B12โ injections or high-dose oral supplementation. early diagnosis and intervention are critical toโข prevent irreversible neurological damage. Researchers are currently investigating more sensitive and comprehensive โmethods for assessing B12 status to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient โขcare.
