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All About Anemia
Anemia is a blood disorder
that occurs when the blood
has less than normal levels of
red blood cells, or when there
is a lack of hemoglobin, a
form of protein, in the blood.
Hemoglobin gives blood its red
color and carries oxygen from
the lungs to the other parts of
the body.
Anemia sufferers do not get
enough oxygen to all the parts
of their body, which limits how
well organs and tissues can
function. The U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
(HHS) estimates that more
than three million people in
the United States suffer from
anemia, making it a significant
concern for many people.
Causes
There are three main causes
of anemia. One or more of
these problems may occur at
the same time:
1. The body loses too much
blood through heavy
menstrual periods, disease
or trauma.
2. The body has trouble
making red blood cells.
3. The red blood cells break o Causes: having an
down or die faster than the autoimmune disease, a
body can replace them with diet does not have a
new ones. significant amount of B12
(found in meat products),
Types of Anemia and diets without a
There are several types of significant amount of
anemia that individuals suffer folate (folic acid) found in
from: leafy greens and fruits
 Iron Deficiency Anemia  Anemia Resulting from
(IDA): Disease
o The body is iron-deficient, o Some underlying diseases
which harms its ability to affect the body’s ability to
make hemoglobin. make red blood cells.
o Causes: heavy menstrual  Anemia Resulting from
cycles, child birth, ulcers, Inherited Blood Diseases
colon polyps, colon o Inherited blood diseases
cancer, regular use of such as sickle cell anemia
pain relievers (aspirin), or thalassemia pose
infection, severe injury greater risks of
and surgery. Also caused developing anemia.
by not eating enough
iron-fortified foods such
as meat, poultry, eggs
and fish.
o Those with Crohn’s
disease and celiac disease
also cannot absorb iron
well.
 Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
(Megaloblastic Anemia):
o The body is deficient in
B12, or folate. B12 is
needed to make red
blood cells and keeps the
nervous system
functioning.
 Aplastic Anemia Diagnosis  Take vitamin supplements
o A blood disorder in which To determine if you have (talk with your doctor before
the body stops making anemia, your doctor will doing so).
enough new red blood perform a CBC blood test, give
cells you a physical exam, discuss For more information about
your diet and the prescriptions anemia, visit these Web sites:
o Causes: cancer
you are taking, and listen to  The Division of Nutrition and
treatments, exposure to
your family history. If you are Physical Activity
toxic chemicals, some
diagnosed with anemia, your www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa,
prescription drugs,
doctor will do further tests to  The American Dietetic
autoimmune diseases and
determine the exact cause of Association
viral infections
the disease. www.eatright.org
 The Aplastic Anemia & MDS
Signs of Anemia
Treatment Options International Foundation,
When first becoming anemic,
Your doctor will most likely Inc. www.aamds.org
the body does not necessarily
prescribe medication  The Iron Disorders Institute
show signs of a problem or the
depending on the variation of at www.irondisorders.org.
symptoms may be extremely
anemia that you suffer from.
mild. As the disease worsens,
He/she may also recommend
the following symptoms
that you take vitamin
become prevalent as the heart
supplements if you suffer from
works harder to pump more
IDA or vitamin deficiency
oxygen-rich blood through the
anemia.
body:
 Fatigue and weakness Prevention
 Dizziness Though the disease is not
 Headache preventable in all instances,
there are things you can do to
 Numbness or coldness in the
reduce your risk of becoming
hands and feet
anemic:
 Low body temperature
 Eat iron-rich foods such as
 Pale skin cereal, bread, lentils, beans,
 Rapid or irregular heartbeat tofu, leafy vegetables, lean
 Shortness of breath red meat, fish and dried
fruits.
 Chest pain
 Eat and drink foods that help
 Irritability
your body absorb iron such
 Jaundice (yellow-tinged skin) as organic juice, strawberries
 Yellowing of the whites of the and broccoli.
eyes  Find alternative ways of
 Enlarged spleen obtaining calcium into your
 Dark, tea-colored urine diet, as too much can hurt
your body’s ability to absorb
 Developmental delays and
iron.
behavioral disturbances (in
infants and preschool  Eat a balanced diet and
children) avoid fad diets.

Did You Know...?

Some forms of anemia are life-threatening if they go
undiagnosed and untreated. By not getting enough oxygen, the
organs can become damaged. Also, since the heart must work
harder to pump red blood cells throughout the body, the extra
work can eventually lead to heart failure.

This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. ©
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