Why Doctors Warn Against Self-Prescribing Vitamin B12 Supplements

Vitamin supplements have become very popular today. Many people see advice on social media and quickly start taking pills without knowing if they really need them. Vitamin B12 is one of the most common examples. When someone feels numbness or tingling, they often think it must be a B12 deficiency. But doctors say this is not always true, and taking supplements on your own can be unsafe.

Dr Rahul Chawla, an AIIMS-trained neurologist and consultant at IBS Hospital in New Delhi, recently shared an important message about this issue. In his video, he explained that symptoms like numbness and tingling can happen for many reasons. They are not always caused by low vitamin B12. So, it is important to get the right tests before starting any supplement.

He warns that self-diagnosing can be harmful because the real cause might be something completely different. Some nerve problems, spinal issues, or even high blood sugar can also cause similar sensations. If a person simply takes supplements without checking the actual cause, the real condition may go untreated.

Dr Chawla also explained what true B12 deficiency looks like. According to him, low B12 can cause tiredness, pale skin, weakness, dizziness, and numbness in hands and feet. In some people, it may even affect memory or cause mood changes. In rare and severe cases, walking difficulty can also appear. But he stresses that these symptoms must be confirmed with a blood test before taking any step.

Vitamin B12 is very important for nerve health, but that does not mean everyone should take it. If someone takes extra B12 without need, it may hide other illnesses. It may also delay proper treatment. This is why doctors always say to consult a medical expert first.

Dr Chawla reminded people that supplements are not harmless just because they are sold easily. Anything that affects the body should be taken with care. A doctor can suggest the correct test and the correct dose if needed. This helps avoid mistakes and keeps health safe.

His message is clear: do not guess your illness based on symptoms you see online. Do not copy what others are doing. And do not start supplements without proper medical advice. A simple blood test can give the right answer and help prevent bigger health problems later.

In a world where quick fixes and trending health tips spread fast, Dr Chawla’s advice is an important reminder. Health decisions should be based on facts, not on trends. Always check with a doctor before taking any supplement, especially for symptoms like numbness and tingling, which may have many different causes.