A condition in which the blood has insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells to adequately meet the body’s oxygen-carrying needs.
Hemoglobin inside red blood cells carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues. When hemoglobin is too low, oxygen delivery may be reduced, potentially causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or paleness.
Anemia has many causes, including iron deficiency, blood loss, vitamin deficiencies, inherited disorders, chronic diseases, infections, and conditions that affect red blood cell production or destruction.
QUICK FACT
Anemia is not simply “low iron.” Iron deficiency is one common cause of anemia, but many other causes exist.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency means the body’s iron stores are too low; it can cause anemia but does not always cause anemia.
SEE ALSO
