Anemia is a condition that occurs when the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body is
lower than what is needed. RBCs carry oxygen throughout the body and are produced in the bone marrow. Hemoglobin, a protein that holds oxygen, is found in RBCs and requires iron to be produced adequately. Anemia can occur due to three primary reasons: loss of RBCs, slower production of RBCs than what is needed, or destruction of RBCs by the body. Different types of anemia are linked to at least one of these causes.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in the United States and occurs mainly due to a lack of iron in a person's diet. When a person's diet lacks iron, the body's hemoglobin production is lower, resulting in lower RBCs. Signs of anemia include paleness and tiredness. Folic acid and Vitamin B-12 are also essential for producing RBCs, and getting these in adequate quantities is important too. Hemolytic anemia occurs when a person has RBCs with a shorter lifespan, leading to the bone marrow not being able to produce new blood cells. This can occur due to disorders like sphenocytosis or sickle cell anemia, or when the immune system destroys RBCs.
Teens are at risk of anemia because they grow rapidly, requiring more nutrients in the process. In girls, heavy blood loss during menstrual periods can lead to anemia, and pregnancies can also increase the risk. Excessive dieting to lose weight may also lead to iron deficiency anemia. Meat eaters, especially red meat eaters, are at lower risk compared to vegetarians as meat contains rich iron.
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