Anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a red, iron-rich protein which carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Oxygen supplies energy to the body. A consistent lack of oxygen in the blood can damage the heart, brain and other organs. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, very severe anemia may even cause death.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. According to the Mayo clinic, iron deficiency affects about 1 to 2 percent of adults in the United States. Bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Without enough hemoglobin, your ability to carry enough oxygen is impaired. This causes iron deficiency anemia.
Vitamin Deficiency
Low levels of vitamin B12 cause anemia. In addition to iron, the body needs vitamin B12 to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells. A diet deficient in vitamin B12 can cause a reduction in the production of red blood cells, which causes anemia.
Lack of dietary vitamin B12 and lack of the ability to absorb vitamin B12 causes vitamin B12 deficiency. Dietary vitamin B12 is found in foods that come from animals. Fortified breakfast cereals also have vitamin B12. If you are diagnosed with B12 deficiency, you may need to eat more foods with vitamin B12, take special vitamin B12 pills or, if that's not enough, get vitamin B12 shots.
Low levels of folate cause anemia. In addition to iron and vitamin B12, folate is also required for red blood cell production. When you cannot make enough red blood cells you are at risk for developing anemia. Folic acid also helps the body absorb vitamins.
According to U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, foods such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, and dried beans and peas contain folic acid. Certain breads, pastas and cereals are fortified with folic acid.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disease, hepatitis C and other chronic inflammatory diseases can cause anemia, according to an April 2010 "New York Times" article. These diseases interfere with the body's ability to generate red blood cells.
Certain cancers such as lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease cause anemia. Kidney disease can also cause anemia. The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which controls red blood cell production. Damaged kidneys means a reduced amount of EPO, and red blood cells decrease accordingly. The inflammatory process associated with AIDS can affect EPO levels and red blood cell production and hence cause anemia. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease have all been shown to cause anemia. Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections can also cause anemia.
Other causes of anemia include consistent blood loss, chemotherapy and radiation.
