WARM2Kids, Inc.

Athlete's Foot and Toenail Fungus

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Living With A Disability

Lung Cancer

Lupus

Lyme Disease

Medications & Supplements

What is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells (hemoglobin) in the bloodstream. Red blood cells are transported through your blood by attaching to oxygen. The following are some of the different types of Anemia:

Quick Facts

The prevalence of anemia rose from 8% to 19% in New York Heart Association

During pregnancy, the body needs more than twice the normal amount of folic acid

Folic acid Deficiency - Folic acid, absorbed from food, is key to the development of red blood cells. If you do not get enough folic acid, your body produces abnormal cells (macrocytes), which have less hemoglobin. The lack of hemoglobin decreases the amount of iron in the body. This is often the case during pregnancy; but if it is prolonged, it can lead to birth defects.

Iron-deficiency Anemia - This is the most common type of anemia. The main cause is blood loss due to your period (menstruation). But, a lack of iron-rich food in your diet or an inability to take iron into the body can also be the cause. This can be a major problem for female athletes.

Hemolytic Anemia - In this case, red blood cells break and release hemoglobin into the plasma. This type of anemia can be inherited or acquired after birth.

Two of the most commonly inherited hemolytic anemia are Sickle-cell Anemia and Thalassemia

Sickle-cell Anemia usually affects African-Americans.

Thalassemia usually affects people with a Mediterranean background.

Pernicious Anemia - This occurs when the vitamin B-12 (which is essential to red blood cells) is not being absorbed. This vitamin deficiency leads to the production of premature strange red blood cells (Megablastic Anemia) that do not bear enough hemoglobin.

Aplastic Anemia (Fanconi Anemia) - This is a very rare type of anemia that occurs when the bone marrow stops production of blood cells. This type of anemia may lead to leukemia.

Chemotherapy - induced Anemia - When a patient receives chemotherapy, the radiation can cause abnormalities in his or her red blood cells.

Anemia related to a kidney disease - Your kidneys produce certain hormones that are key ingredients to the production of red blood cells. When kidneys are diseased or fail, they can cause abnormalities in the production of these hormones.

The information provided on this site should not replace your physician’s advice.