What does Dr. Rahul Chawla, a neurologist, warn about vitamin B12 supplements?

Dr. Rahul Chawla, a neurologist, warns that vitamin B12 supplements should not be taken without proper medical guidance, as numbness and tingling may not always be signs of a B12 deficiency.

How can vitamin B12 supplements interfere with other nutrients?

According to Dr. Chawla, taking vitamin B12 supplements without testing your levels can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.

What are the potential consequences of a severe vitamin B12 deficiency?

Dr. Chawla states that a severe B12 deficiency can cause mood changes, difficulty walking, and even neurological problems.

Home / Health / Neurologist Warns: Vitamin B12 Supplements Can Mask Serious Issues

Neurologist Warns: Vitamin B12 Supplements Can Mask Serious Issues

15 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Numbness and tingling may not always signal B12 deficiency
Supplements should only be taken under medical guidance
Deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and memory problems

Neurologist Warns: Vitamin B12 Supplements Can Mask Serious Issues

On November 15, 2025, Dr. Rahul Chawla, a neurologist trained at AIIMS in New Delhi, warned against taking vitamin B12 supplements without proper medical guidance. Dr. Chawla, who is a consultant neurologist at IBS Hospital in Lajpat Nagar and the founder of HealthPil.com, explained that numbness and tingling are not always signs of a B12 deficiency, and may instead indicate other underlying issues.

The neurologist stressed the importance of checking B12 levels before starting supplements, as a deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, and even memory problems. However, he cautioned that taking supplements without testing can mask the real cause of symptoms, interfere with other nutrients, and often provide only trace amounts of B12 - far too little to effectively treat a deficiency.