By Verneda Lights and Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.
Anemia occurs when the body has a shortage of red blood cells. This leads to reduced oxygen flow to organs and tissues, which can cause fatigue and weakness. Various factors, such as deficiencies in iron or vitamins, blood loss, genetic conditions, and chronic diseases, can disrupt red blood cell production and cause anemia. Anemia can be managed through diet changes, supplements, medications, or blood transfusions. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Anemia happens when the number of healthy red blood cells in your body is too low. Red blood cells are blood cells that carry oxygen to the organs and tissues of your body. Every part of your body needs enough oxygen to function effectively. Red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs, allowing red blood cells to carry and deliver it throughout the body. Anemia is measured according to the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. There are many different types and causes of anemia. Some types of anemia are mild and can be easily treated, while others can cause potentially serious health complications.
What are the types of anemia, and what symptoms do they cause?
While there are many types of anemia, they cause similar symptoms. Many symptoms of anemia are associated with a lack of oxygen supply to the body’s organs and tissues. If you have a type of anemia, you may experience general symptoms like:
• a heart murmur with severe anemia
• a heartbeat that’s very quick or irregular
• chest pains
• cold hands and feet
• fainting
• fatigue
• headache
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• pale skin, gums, or nails
• shortness of breath
• weakness
If you have symptoms of anemia, it’s important to get medical attention, especially if you experience fainting or chest pain. Other symptoms may happen with certain types of anemia. These depend on the type:
Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and it occurs when you don’t get enough iron. An estimated 50% of all anemias result from iron deficiency. You may have lower iron levels in your body due to:
• blood loss, including heavy menstrual periods
• health conditions that affect iron absorption
• not getting enough iron in your diet
Many people with mild or moderate iron-deficiency anemia have no symptoms. However, anemia is often detected during routine blood tests.
Vitamin-deficiency anemia
Vitamin deficiency anemia is caused by having lower-than-normal folate or vitamin B12 levels. You may get this type of anemia from a low dietary intake of these nutrients. Pernicious anemia is a specific type of anemia caused by low levels of vitamin B12. Individuals with pernicious anemia often lack a protein made in the stomach called intrinsic factor that helps your body absorb vitamin B12 or prevents issues with the small intestine absorbing vitamin B12.
Hemolytic anemia
In hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are destroyed faster than your body can replace them.
Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia happens when your bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells. It results from damage to stem cells in the bone marrow that would normally develop into red blood cells. Because of this damage, fewer red blood cells are made.
Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease
Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease happens when underlying health conditions cause inflammation in the body. This may cause anemia.
What causes anemia?
Red blood cells are produced in your bone marrow and have an average life span of about 120 days. On average, your bone marrow produces 2 million red blood cells each second while approximately the same number are removed from circulation. About 1% of your red blood cells are removed from circulation and replaced daily. Any process that negatively affects this can cause anemia. Experts categorize causes of anemia into those that:
• decrease red blood cell production
• increase red blood cell destruction or loss
What are the risk factors for anemia?
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing anemia. These include:
• a diet that doesn’t include sufficient iron, folate, or vitamin B12
• a family history of genetic conditions that can cause anemia
• being over 65 years of age
• certain chronic health conditions, such as cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, or an autoimmune disease
• certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
• certain types of medications or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat cancer
• frequent exposure to toxic chemicals
• having menstrual periods
• heavy consumption of alcohol
• pregnancy
Daily nutritional requirements and anemia
A diet rich in key nutrients may help prevent or manage some types of anemia. Daily requirements for vitamins and iron vary according to sex, age, and pregnancy status. Some people may need to take supplements to get the recommended amount. These nutrients include:
• folate
• iron
• vitamin B12
• vitamin C
You may need more iron while you are menstruating or if you become pregnant. Before taking any supplements, talk to your healthcare professional to make sure the supplements you want to take are safe for you.
The bottom line
Anemia is when you have low levels of red blood cells. When this happens, your organs and tissues have a harder time getting oxygen. As a result, you may experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Your body replaces millions of red blood cells in circulation each day. When this process is disrupted, anemia can occur. One of the more common causes of anemia is not getting enough nutrients, such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12. However, anemia can also be caused by blood loss and various underlying health conditions.
