Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when the body has insufficient amounts of red blood cells in the bloodstream or lacks hemoglobin. This pigment is present in red blood cells and is responsible for the transport of oxygen. There are more than 400 types of anemia, with the most common being iron-deficiency anemia. Consult with a physician if you are experiencing poor health that may be related to anemia.
Functional vs. Absolute
Iron-deficiency anemia may be caused by poor dietary iron intake, decreased iron absorption or excess loss of iron through bleeding, as with menses or internal injury. According to a 2010 review in the journal "Blood," absolute iron-deficiency anemia differs from functional anemia in that with absolute deficiencies there is a lack of iron in the body, but the regulation of iron and red blood cell production mechanisms are still in working order. In contrast, in functional anemia, there are sufficient amounts of iron in the body, but it is not readily available to the bone marrow for red blood cell production. This leads to decreased red blood production, causing anemia.
Causes
According to Medline Plus, anemia may stem from a number of different conditions, most notably related to chronic conditions and infections affecting red blood cell production. These chronic conditions include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and lupus. Certain cancers such as Hodgkin's disease and cancer treatments using chemotherapy also affect red blood cell production, in addition to kidney disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Athletes, vegetarians or vegans and people with poor diets may also have decreased stores of iron.
Symptoms
Symptoms of anemia typically present as fatigue, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, headaches, weakness, pale skin and coldness. Individuals affected may notice early fatigue when performing normal, daily activities such as climbing a short flight of stairs or walking, as well as decreased concentration for mental tasks, including studying or problem-solving. Athletes, in particular, may notice a decline in physical performance with early fatigue and muscle weakness leading to the inability to complete workouts and slowed recovery.
Treatment
Functional anemia usually improves once the condition is treated properly through medical intervention. In cases in which iron stores are low, increasing dietary intake of iron through food and/or supplements may be useful. However, consult a physician prior to taking any supplements or altering your diet. Taking excess iron when the body's stores are adequate may lead to toxicity and serious complications.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Functional Anemia of Complicated Protein-Energy Malnutrition at High Altitude; J.L. Beard et al.; 1986
- USA Today: Health Encyclopedia: Diseases and Conditions: Anemia
- Medline Plus; Anemia of Chronic Disease; February 2011
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Diseases and Conditions Index: Anemia
- "Blood"; Detection, Evaluation, and Managment of Iron-Restricted Erythropoiesis; Lawrence Tim Goodnough et al.; 2010
