Vitamin B12 Deficiencies

Thank you to everyone who invited me to the event on B12 deficiency earlier in September.

I appreciate you sharing your personal experience and the impact that vitamin B12 deficiency has had on your life. As a relatively lesser-known condition, it is important that people with lived experience continue to raise awareness of the challenges it can present and the effect its symptoms can have on everyday life.

I am pleased that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently published guidance to support clinicians in recognising the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. NICE hopes this guidance will help reduce instances where B12 deficiency is misdiagnosed as conditions such as dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome or mental health disorders, enabling patients to receive appropriate treatment sooner.

I recognise the concerns that have been raised regarding the diagnosis and management of B12 deficiency. Our Government's 10 Year Health Plan for England aims to improve access to primary care by making it easier to see a GP and by establishing Neighbourhood Health Centres in every community. I am hopeful that these reforms will particularly benefit people with B12 deficiency who require regular injections, enabling them to access care closer to home and receive more timely support.

In addition, our Government is expanding access to community diagnostic centres. Phlebotomy services are now available through 119 community diagnostic centres, which delivered 1.8 million tests between April 2025 and February 2026. I understand that our Government is also considering the potential benefits of more flexible access to blood testing services.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue and for sharing your personal experience with B12 deficiency.