Anemia is a blood disorder, where there is a below normal concentration of red blood cells in the blood or the red blood cells don't have the proper amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is important for carrying the oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body so in cases where people have anemia the blood is not supplying enough oxygen for the bodies needs. This results in poor functioning of the [respiration|respiratory] system and fatigue.

There are three main groups of anemia: blood loss, low counts of red blood cells and those with high rates of red blood cell count destruction. Blood loss from heavy menstruation, surgery, trauma, bleeding in the digestive or urinary tracts or cancer can cause anemia as well. Iron deficiency is the most common reason for anemia and affects about one in five women, half of all pregnant women and three percent of men in the United States.

Anemia can be caused by:

1. Iron deficiency in the diet
2. Blood loss, such as that caused by heavy menstruation, or internal disorders
3. Lack of folic acid and/or vitamin B-12 = megaloblastic anemia. Pernicious anemia is caused by the lack of B-12 absorption by the body. Lack of B-12 in vegetarian diets can occur without B-12-supplemented foods. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/anemia.cfm http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics?page=2
4. Rupture of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) due to various circumstances, such as exposure to toxic chemicals such as lead, benzene or medicines, and diseases such as sickle cell anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and thalassemia.http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/anemia.html
5. Poor or non-functioning bone marrow production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Stem cells for the production may be non-existent or non-functioning (aplastic anemia). Occurs in young children and the aged. http://www.ayushveda.com/homeremedies/anemia.htm

1. Most common blood disorder
2. Affects 3.5 million Americans
3. Occurs in all ages and races

This page is not a substitute for medical advice. If you think you have Anemia, please consult your doctor.