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Anemia
Definition
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives red blood cells their red color. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin. See also:
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The cause depends on the type of anemia. Possible causes include: - Certain medications
- Diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis
- Genes -- some forms of anemia can be inherited
- Kidney failure
- Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods)
- Poor diet
- Pregnancy
- Problems with bone marrow (where blood cells are made)
- Problems with the immune system that cause the destruction of blood cells
- Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid
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Review Date : 4/5/2009
Reviewed By : Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc
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