Anemia is a condition where there are low levels of circulating red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Anemia is diagnosed based on the level of hemoglobin in the blood or the hematocrit determined by a blood test. The hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A wide variety of conditions can lead to anemia.
Anemia
Anemia is a clinical condition that can be either inherited or acquired. Inherited causes of anemia include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, cancers and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD, deficiency, according to Anemia.org. Acquired causes of anemia include exposures to certain chemicals, blood loss and dietary deficiencies. Physicians are able to run a variety of tests on the blood that can help determine what type of anemia is present. Many types of anemia can also be present in the same patient.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in patients, according to MedlinePlus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health. This type of anemia can be from heavy periods, pregnancy, ulcers, colon cancer and dietary deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia typically results in patients having smaller-sized red blood cells, which can be diagnostic for this type of anemia. Patients typically are started on oral iron supplementation to help replete iron stores in the body. If chronic bleeding is a cause of iron deficiency anemia, the underlying cause of the blood loss will also need to be treated.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can result from either a diet that lacks vitamin B12 or a condition that inhibits adequate absorption of vitamin B12, according to MayoClinic.com. Crohn's disease, celiac disease, surgery on the stomach or small intestine or lack of intrinsic factor can also lead to this condition due to poor absorption of vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor is produced by the stomach and works to aid in the absorption of vitamin B12. Tapeworms and other parasitic infections can also lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency by consuming nutrients. Vitamin B12 is present in meat, eggs and milk. Deficiency of vitamin B12 causes an anemia characterized by large red blood cells.
Folic Acid
Folic acid or vitamin B9 is a nutrient found in green leafy vegetables and citrus foods. A wide variety of medications, malabsorptive conditions, alcohol intake and a poor diet can lead to this type of anemia. Many anti-seizure medications can impair absorption of this nutrient. Pregnant and breast-feeding women can develop a folic acid deficiency due to increased demand on their body for folic acid. Folic acid deficiency anemia is characterized by large red blood cells.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid deficiency anemia is usually caused by a diet low in vitamin C. A severe vitamin C deficiency is known commonly as scurvy. Vitamin C is present in fruits and vegetables. A deficiency can be corrected by supplements containing vitamin C.
