Anemia in What to Know

Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. The cause of anemia may include:

* Iron deficiency: This is the most common cause of anemia and is due to a lack of iron in your body. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency can be caused by not getting enough iron in your diet, or by losing too much iron, such as through heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding.

* Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is also needed to produce red blood cells. A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by not eating enough foods that contain vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, and dairy products, or by having a condition that affects the absorption of vitamin B12, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease.

* Folate deficiency: Folate (folic acid) is also needed to produce red blood cells, A folate deficiency can be caused by not eating enough foods that contain folate, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, or by having a condition that affects the absorption of folate, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease.

* Other medical conditions: Anemia can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as cancer, kidney disease, or thyroid problems.

Symptoms of anemia can include:

* Fatigue

* Weakness

* Shortness of breath

* Dizziness

* Lightheadedness

* Pale skin

* Cold hands and feet

* Brittle nails

* Headache

* Irritability

* Depression

* Difficulty concentrating

* Loss of appetite

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor to be diagnosed and treated for the underlying cause of your anemia.

Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. Treatment may include:

* Taking iron supplements

* Taking vitamin B12 supplements

* Taking folate supplements

* Eating a diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate

* Treating the underlying medical condition that is causing the anemia

Anemia is a common condition, but it can be treated successfully in most cases. If you have any of the symptoms of anemia, see your doctor to be diagnosed and treated.