Iron- Deficiency Anemia
If you have anemia, people may say you have tired blood. That's because anemia — a condition in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues — can make you feel tired (MayoClinic).
Anemia develops when your blood does not have enough red blood cells. The red blood cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If these cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body isn't getting enough iron. Symptoms of anemia (like fatigue) occur because organs are not receiving enough oxygen (WebMD).
Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S. It affects about 3.5 million Americans. Women and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of anemia. Certain forms of anemia are hereditary. Women in the childbearing years are particularly susceptible to a form of anemia called iron-deficiency anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy. Seniors also may have a greater risk of developing anemia because of poor diet and other medical conditions (WebMD).
There are several types of anemia but the most common type is iron-deficiency anemia. This is very treatable with diet changes and iron supplements. Some forms of anemia (like the anemia that develops during pregnancy) are considered normal. However, some types of anemia may present lifelong health problems (WebMD).
Iron-deficiency anemia occurs because of a lack of the iron in the body. Bone marrow in the center of the bone needs iron to make hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the body’s organs. Without an adequate amount of iron, the body is not able to produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. The result is iron-deficiency anemia (WebMD).
Iron-deficiency anemia can be caused by the following by several things. An iron-poor diet, especially in infants, children, teens and vegetarians can cause iron-deficiency anemia. The condition is also caused by the...