Ailments and Situations - Anemia - Causes

The most common cause is a nutritional deficiency. Anemia can result from a deficiency of virtually any vitamin or mineral. Other reasons exist, however. Excessive blood loss, either acute (trauma) or chronic (heavy menstruation, bleeding ulcer, etc.) can also lead to anemia. It can also occur as a hereditary disorder, as is the case with sickle cell anemia or RBC enzyme defects.

This is the most common type of anemia where the cause is a lack of iron. Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin and is essential for the production of certain enzymes involved in energy production. Iron deficiencies can occur due to an increase in iron requirements, a low dietary intake, poor iron absorption or utilization, and/or blood loss.

Incidentally, excessive menstruation is the most common cause of this type of anemia in women of child-bearing years. Ironically, iron-deficiency can cause excessive menstruation. Hence this positively-reinforced situation becomes a vicious circle.

Pernicious anemia can occur due to inadequate intake of vitamin B₁₂, as may occur with vegans or vegetarians, but is most often due to a defect in absorption of the vitamin. Proper absorption of B₁₂ depends on a number of factors that include: an adequate amount of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, secreted by the stomach; enough pancreatic enzymes secreted; and a healthy, intact small intestine.

Intrinsic factor is the substance that binds to B₁₂. This bound B₁₂ is absorbed in the last part of the small intestine called the ileum. Pernicious anemia is often concurrent with an iron deficiency.

As with nutritional deficiency anemia, folic acid deficiency anemia can occur due to inadequate intake. It is common among alcoholics and pregnant women. It can also occur with the use of certain medications such as oral contraceptives, epilepsy and anti-cancer drugs. This deficiency is common in cases of chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, and Crohn's disease.