Understand Different Causes of Anemia

There are many anemia causes. Some of them are medical conditions and the others are dietary causes of anemia.

Following is the list of some of anemia causes:

1 - Iron deficiency

If iron intake is less in a regular diet then hemoglobin levels will fall. Iron plays a very important role in formation of hemoglobin structure. Iron is required by the bone marrow to make red blood cells. The lower production of red blood cells is one of the main causes of anemia.

2 – Poor Nutrition

In addition to Iron vitamins and minerals are also required to make red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is one of the essential vitamins required for the proper production of hemoglobin. Deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate retards production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly found in strict vegetarians.

Poor absorption of vitamin B12 due to problems in stomach or intestine is also one of common cause of anemia in people whose diets are not poor in nutrition. In addition to the above reasons alcoholism is commonly associated with poor absorptions of vitamins and minerals.

3 - Pregnancy

During pregnancy water content increases that dilutes the blood. This dilution may be reflected as anemia in some cases.

4 - Kidney disease:

A hormone called the Erythropoietin that helps the bone marrow make red blood cells is normally released by kidneys. People with chronic kidney disease do not produce sufficient erythropoietin hormone which reduces production of red blood cells. This causes anemia. Lever malfunctioning can also cause anemia as about 10% of Erythropoietin hormone is produced in lever and the rest in the kidney.

5 - Chronic disease

Any long-term unresolved medical condition can become the cause of anemia. Chronic long-standing and ongoing medical conditions like thyroid problems blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphomas may cause anemia.

6 - Active bleeding

Excessive menstrual bleeding or continuous bleeding through wounds can cause anemia. Gastrointestinal ulcers or cancer of the colon which bleed can also cause anemia.

7 - Hemolysis

In this case breakdown or destruction of red blood cells happens faster than the production of the red blood cells. This continuous reduction of red blood cells is the cause of anemia that requires immediate medical attention.

Learn more about types, symptoms, prevention methods and home remedies in the other related articles.