Anemia
Anemia means that red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is low. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
Signs, Symptoms & Causes
There are many types of anemia. Common ones are low amounts of iron, folic acid (a B vitamin), and vitamin B12. In general, symptoms include:
- Tiredness.
- Weakness.
- Paleness. This could be pale skin or paleness around the gums, nailbeds, or the linings of the lower eyelids.
- Shortness of breath.
- Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat.
With anemia from low iron, extra symptoms can occur. These include:
- Tiny cracks at the corner of the mouth.
- A smooth, sore tongue.
- Brittle nails.
- A hard time concentrating.
- Unusual cravings for ice, starch, or dirt.
In the United States, up to 20% of all women of childbearing age have this form of anemia. Only 2% of adult men do. The main cause is blood lost during menstruation. Eating too few iron-rich foods or not absorbing enough iron can make the problem worse.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and blood loss from peptic ulcers or other medical problems, can also deplete iron levels. Older women who have poor diets, especially when they live alone, often have low iron anemia.
When folic acid is very low, extra symptoms can occur. These include:
- A smooth and tender tongue.
- Appetite loss and weight loss.
- Nausea and diarrhea.
- Headache.
Folic acid is needed to make red blood cells. Folic acid levels are low from a lack of folic acid in the diet or faulty absorption. The need for this vitamin more than doubles during pregnancy. This is often not met by diets of pregnant women. A supplement of 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid per day is advised.
Females who are planning a pregnancy, should take folic acid, too. Folic acid is important when a female conceives and during the first months of pregnancy. Low folic acid levels at these times have been linked to low birth weight and major birth defects, such as neural tube defects (spina bifida) in babies. Folic-acid deficiency can also lead to infertility and an increased risk of infection. Low levels of this vitamin are often seen among elderly women, especially those who have poor diets.
When vitamin B12 is low, extra symptoms can occur. These include: