Anemia: Causes and Effects

Macrocytic = Large cell size and high MCV and MCHC Normocytic = Normal cell size Microcytic = Small cell size Hypochromic = Pale color due to hemoglobin deficiency

Melena, epistaxis, hematemesis, or menorrhagia = Bleeding Jaundice and dark urine (in absence of liver disease) = Hemolysis Weight loss = Cancer Drowsiness = Anemia itself

Iron deficiency = Microcytic anemia Folate deficiency = Macrocytic anemia Vitamin B12 deficiency = Macrocytic anemia Copper deficiency = Microcytic anemia

MCV = Mean cell volume MCHC = Mean cell hemoglobin concentration Normochromic = Normal color Hypochromic = Pale color due to hemoglobin deficiency

Dyspnea on exertion = Shortness of breath on physical activity Vertigo = Dizziness or loss of balance Pallor = Pale skin color Pulsatile tinnitus = Ringing in the ears

Nutritional anemia = Anemia caused by lack of nutrients required for erythrocyte synthesis Deficient erythropoiesis = Inadequate production of red blood cells Anemia = A diagnosis of an underlying disorder Erythrocyte synthesis = Production of red blood cells

Vitamin A = One of the big three Folate = Other important micronutrients Iron = One of the big three Vitamin D = Other important micronutrients

Pregnant and lactating women = High risk Infants and young children = High risk Adults = Low risk Older people = Low risk

Nutritional deficiencies = Deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or PEU Excessive hemolysis = RBC destruction due to viral or bacterial infections, or drugs toxicity Blood loss = Acute or chronic loss of blood due to various reasons Deficient erythropoiesis = Impaired or complete cessation of RBC production

Exclusive breastfeeding = Provides micronutrients during the first six months of life Dietary diversification = Increases intake of highly absorbable vitamins and minerals Fortification of staple foods = Adds micronutrients to food Immunization = Prevents parasitic infections

Erythropoiesis = Production of red blood cells Hemolysis = Destruction of red blood cells Hemoglobin = Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen Anemia = Decrease in red blood cells or their hemoglobin content

Anemia = Affects health, education, economy, and productivity Iron deficiency = Impacts physical growth Vitamin A deficiency = Impacts vision and immunity Mineral deficiency = Impacts bone health

Processed foods = Cheap and micronutrient-deficient Staple foods = Fortified with micronutrients Micronutrient-rich foods = Expensive and diverse Breast milk = Rich in micronutrients for infants

G6PD deficiency = Congenital disease that affects RBC production Thalassemias = Hereditary disease that affects RBC production Sickle cell anemia = Hereditary disease that affects RBC shape and function Iron deficiency = Nutritional deficiency that affects RBC production

Acute blood loss = Sudden loss of blood due to injuries or surgeries Chronic blood loss = Gradual loss of blood due to heavy menstruation or GI polyps GI bleeding = Acute or chronic bleeding in the digestive system Hemorrhage = Sudden and severe loss of blood

Hidden Hunger = Micronutrient malnutrition Wasting = Observable form of malnutrition Obesity = Visible form of malnutrition Parasitic infections = Controlled through immunization

Iron deficiency = Impaired RBC production or abnormal RBC size and shape Vitamin B12 deficiency = Impaired RBC production or abnormal RBC size and shape Folic acid deficiency = Impaired RBC production or abnormal RBC size and shape PEU deficiency = Impaired RBC production or abnormal RBC size and shape

Liver = Affects RBC production due to disease or malabsorption Kidneys = Affects RBC production due to disease or erythropoietin deficiency Stomach = Affects iron absorption due to GI bleeding or malabsorption Spleen = Affects RBC removal due to excessive hemolysis