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Turnaround: 4 – 12 hours
Appointment: 15 minutes
General Health
How to Book a Same-Day Private GP Appointment in London
It’s common to need a GP appointment at short notice. Health concerns don’t always follow a schedule, and symptoms can
May 12, 2026
Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) are essential for the formation of red blood cells (RBCs), tissue and cell repair, and proper nerve function. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to health issues such as anaemia, and can also be markers of behavioural changes in the elderly.
Therefore, a vitamin B12 and folate blood test is crucial for diagnosing deficiencies and enabling healthcare providers to assess and manage conditions related to these vitamins, ensuring optimal health and well-being.
Vitamin B12 and folate are very important vitamins and are essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, DNA synthesis, energy production, and various metabolic processes in the body.
Low levels of B12 and folate can lead to a type of anaemia where the body produces abnormally large red blood cells (RBCs), which are then unable to do their job of carrying oxygen around the body. It is different from iron deficiency anaemia, but both include symptoms of extreme tiredness, pins and needles (feeling that a limb has “fallen asleep”, also known as paraesthesia), mouth ulcers, vision problems, muscle weakness, depression, and impaired cognitive function.
Vegetarians and vegans who do not consume animal products are at risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency if they do not supplement or regularly consume fortified foods. Older adults are also at risk; as people age, stomach acid production can decrease, which affects B12 absorption. Additionally, certain gastrointestinal disorders (like Crohn’s disease) or surgeries that affect the stomach or small intestine, as well as medications (like proton-pump inhibitors), can impair B12 and folate absorption.
Pregnant women require increased folate intake to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Insufficient B12 intake during pregnancy can also impact maternal and fetal health. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to deficiencies in both vitamins due to poor dietary intake, impaired absorption, and increased excretion.
Common signs include fatigue and weakness, pale or jaundiced skin, shortness of breath and dizziness, tingling or numbness (especially in the hands and feet), difficulty walking, balance problems, and clumsiness, Glossitis (inflamed tongue) and mouth ulcers, psychological symptoms (mood changes, irritability, and depression), cognitive difficulties, memory loss, and dementia-like symptoms.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to book an appointment and get those vitamin B12 and folate levels checked. Remember, approximately 6% of the UK population under 60 and 20% of those over 60 are estimated to have a vitamin B12 deficiency. This equates to roughly 4 million people across the UK.
Here are several ways to ensure you get enough vitamin B12 and folate:
Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.
On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.
You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.
Once you have booked your blood test at your preferred City Walk-in clinic in London most convenient for you, please ensure that you arrive hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as this will help make the testing experience more comfortable.
The doctor or nurse will insert a needle into a vein on your arm to draw a small amount of blood. You may briefly experience some mild discomfort.
We will email you the results as soon as they arrive from the laboratory. The interpretation of the results is not included in the test price. If you would like to have the test results explained to you by one of our experienced doctors, please book for a consultation as well.
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We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.
We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.
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