Red blood cells transport oxygen through your body to keep you alive and healthy. The cells need the help of a protein called hemoglobin to accomplish their task. When your supply of red blood cells or hemoglobin is low, you develop anemia. Lack of nutrition may cause the deficiency. But several types of anemia exist and malnourishment does not cause all of them.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin. If you develop an iron deficiency, your hemoglobin supply drops and you become anemic. A diet low in iron sources can cause iron-deficiency anemia. Excessive bleeding is another reason for a decrease in the mineral. A pregnant woman may develop this type of anemia because some of her iron now goes to support her fetus. In addition, conditions that damage your small intestine, such as celiac disease, render your body unable to absorb iron from the foods you eat. Depending on its cause, your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement and a diet that includes meats, legumes and dark greens to treat an iron-deficiency anemia.
Megaloblastic Anemia
Vitamin B-12 is essential for the production of red blood cells. Megaloblastic anemia occurs when a genetic condition keeps you from absorbing the vitamin from foods. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the problem is rare and more prevalent among individuals of northern European heritage than any other ethnic group. People who suffer from megaloblastic anemia lack a substance called “intrinsic factor” that is vital for the extraction of B-12 from the foods you eat. Your physician may prescribe vitamin B-12 injections to correct the deficiency.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Healthy red blood cells are round like a disc unless you have the hereditary condition known as sickle cell anemia. In that case, your cells have a crescent shape and cannot carry a normal supply of oxygen to nourish your body. The distorted cells also break inside the veins and their pieces block the blood flow. An abnormal type of protein called “hemoglobin S” causes sickle cell anemia. The protein gene passes from parents to child and is more common among people of African, Mediterranean, South American, Central American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern descent. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia. Treatment to ease the symptoms includes blood transfusions, pain relievers and lots of liquid.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia occurs when your bone marrow decreases its production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The disease is rare and it afflicts individuals from eastern Asian countries more than those from any other part of the world. According to the National Marrow Donor Program, the cause of aplastic anemia is not always clear. Some people inherit another medical condition that makes them susceptible to this type of anemia. Radiation, viruses and toxins may also cause aplastic anemia. A dysfunctional immune system that attacks your own bone marrow can also keep it from making blood cells. The treatment depends on what causes the aplastic anemia and how grave the case is. In severe situations, therapy includes drugs that suppress the immune system or a bone marrow transplant.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is Anemia?
- MayoClinic.com: Iron Deficiency Anemia -- Causes
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Blood Diseases
- PubMed Health; Sickle Cell Anemia; David Zieve, M.D., M.H.A., et al.; Feb. 28, 2011
- National Marrow Donor Program; Aplastic Anemia (Severe); C. F. LeMaistre, M.D., et al.; 2011
