Many people rely on a “normal” Vitamin B12 report to rule out deficiency, but Apollo Delhi surgeon Dr. Anshuman Kaushal—popularly known as The Angry Doc—warns that this can be dangerously misleading. Despite normal lab numbers, patients may continue to experience symptoms such as fatigue, leg tingling, irritability, poor memory, and low mood, which could signal a deeper issue known as functional B12 deficiency.
What Is Functional B12 Deficiency?
Dr. Kaushal explained in a video that this condition occurs when cells are unable to use Vitamin B12 effectively, even though blood levels appear normal.
He compares it to:
“Having money in your account but no ATM card—looks rich, feels broke.”
He cautioned that standard lab testing often measures only serum B12, which can hide whether the vitamin is actually reaching and benefiting the body’s cells.
B12 + Folate = ‘Batman and Robin’ for the Brain
According to Dr. Kaushal, Vitamin B12 and folate work together to:
- Repair DNA
- Produce healthy red blood cells
- Maintain nerve function
- Stabilize mood and cognition
A deficiency in either can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Memory loss
- Numbness
- Tingling in hands or legs
This cluster of symptoms may go untreated if doctors rely only on serum B12 readings.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Dr. Kaushal highlighted high-risk groups:
- People taking metformin
- Those on acidity medicines (PPIs)
- Vegans and strict vegetarians
- Individuals post bariatric surgery
For symptomatic patients with normal B12, he recommends discussing MMA, homocysteine, or active B12 tests with a doctor. In many cases, oral supplements may not work, and B12 injections may be required due to absorption issues.
Another Apollo Doctor Supports the Warning
Apollo neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar also explained that blood tests can be misleading because much of the B12 in circulation is bound to an inactive transport protein.
This means:
- B12 shows up in reports
- But the body cannot use it
- Cells remain deficient, causing fatigue and memory problems
What Is Vitamin B12 and Why Is It Essential?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Vitamin B12:
- Supports nerve health
- Helps produce red blood cells
- Aids DNA formation
The body cannot produce B12 on its own, so it must come from:
- Meat, fish, eggs, dairy
- Fortified cereals
- Plant-based milks
- Nutritional yeast
Adults need 2.4 micrograms daily, with higher needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The Bottom Line
Doctors emphasize that normal numbers don’t always mean normal function. Persistent symptoms should never be ignored simply because a lab value appears “in range.”
Functional B12 deficiency may be invisible on standard reports—but not to your brain and nerves.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
