Anemia arises from four primary causes: blood loss, insufficient production of red blood cells, accelerated destruction of red blood cells, and inadequate intake or absorption of essential vitamins and minerals crucial for red blood cell formation (such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid).
Blood loss is a significant contributor to anemia, frequently stemming from menstrual bleeding in women, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, or deficiencies in platelets and clotting factors. Impaired red blood cell production can be linked to various chronic illnesses, bone marrow cancers (leukemia), and hereditary conditions that lead to rapid red blood cell destruction. Furthermore, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, other cancers, pregnancy, infancy, adolescence, and advanced age are also recognized causes of anemia.
The body requires specific vitamins like B12 and folic acid (B9), along with minerals such as iron, to produce red blood cells effectively. Iron deficiency is among the most prevalent causes of anemia. Iron is a central component of hemoglobin, which is responsible for oxygen transport. When iron levels are low, less hemoglobin is formed, leading to reduced oxygen delivery throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is more common in women than men, often due to heavy menstrual bleeding or inadequate dietary intake.