Anemia

What is Anemia?

Anemia means the blood has fewer healthy red blood cells, or less hemoglobin, than the body needs to carry oxygen to its tissues. It is diagnosed when hemoglobin falls below a threshold that depends on age, sex and pregnancy status, so your result should be read against the range on your report. Mild anemia may cause no symptoms; as it progresses it can cause tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin. Anemia is a sign rather than a diagnosis in itself, so finding the cause — most often iron deficiency, according to the World Health Organization — is the essential next step.

Symptoms

• ●Fatigue and weakness
• ●Pale skin
• ●Dizziness
• ●Cold hands and feet
• ●Headaches
• ●Shortness of breath

What Causes Anemia?

The most common cause is iron deficiency, from low dietary intake, heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy or slow blood loss from the gut. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folate impair red blood cell production. Chronic conditions such as kidney disease and long-term inflammation can also cause it. Inherited disorders of hemoglobin, including thalassemia and sickle cell disease, cause anemia by producing abnormal or short-lived red cells.

Risk Factors

• ⚠Heavy menstrual periods
• ⚠Pregnancy
• ⚠A diet low in iron, vitamin B12 or folate, including some vegetarian and vegan diets
• ⚠Family history of thalassemia or sickle cell disease
• ⚠Chronic kidney disease or another long-term illness
• ⚠Digestive conditions that affect absorption, such as celiac disease

How to Prevent Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia can often be prevented with a diet that includes iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans and dark leafy greens, eaten with a source of vitamin C to improve absorption. Vegetarians and vegans should make sure they get enough vitamin B12. Inherited types cannot be prevented, but carrier screening before marriage or pregnancy helps families understand their risk. Do not take iron supplements without testing first: too much iron is harmful.

When to Get Tested

Ask for a complete blood count if you feel persistently tired or breathless, look unusually pale, or have heavy periods. Testing is also worthwhile during pregnancy, if you follow a restricted diet, or if anemia, thalassemia or sickle cell disease runs in your family. If anemia is found, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate tests help identify the cause.

References & Sources

• [1]
  WHO — AnaemiaAccessed: 2026-02-14
• [2]
  Mayo Clinic — AnemiaAccessed: 2026-02-14
• [3]
  WHO — Anaemia fact sheetAccessed: 2026-10-03