Y o u r G u i d e t o
Anemia
Anemia Healthy
Lifestyle
Changes
Prevent n Treat n Control
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Pernicious Anemia
Aplastic Anemia
Hemolytic Anema
Y O U R G U I D E T O
Anemia
Anemia Healthy
Lifestyle
Changes
Prevent n Treat n Control
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Pernicious Anemia
Aplastic Anemia
Hemolytic Anema
NIH Publication No. 11-7629
September 2011
























Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Anemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Is Anemia?
2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Causes Anemia?
4

Making Too Few Red Blood Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Destroying Too Many Red Blood Cells
6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Losing Too Many Red Blood Cells
7

Signs and Symptoms of Anemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnosing Anemia
10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical and Family Histories
10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Physical Exam
11

Tests and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treating Anemia
14

Types of Anemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Iron-Deficiency Anemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

What Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia and What Causes It? . . . . . . 17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Who Is At Risk for Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
19

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of

Iron-Deficiency Anemia? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

How Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Treated?
26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pernicious Anemia
28

What Is Pernicious Anemia and What Causes It? . . . . . . . . . 28

Who Is At Risk for Pernicious Anemia?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia?
. 30

How Is Pernicious Anemia Diagnosed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Is Pernicious Anemia Treated?
33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aplastic Anemia
34

What Is Aplastic Anemia and What Causes It? . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Who Is At Risk for Aplastic Anemia?
36

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia? . . . . . 36

How Is Aplastic Anemia Diagnosed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Is Aplastic Anemia Treated?
38

Contents
Your Guide to Anemia





. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hemolytic Anemia
41

. . . . . . . . . . .
What Is Hemolytic Anemia and What Causes It?
41

Who Is At Risk for Hemolytic Anemia? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia? . . 44

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Is Hemolytic Anemia Diagnosed?
45

How Is Hemolytic Anemia Treated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Research on Anemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Tips for Preventing or Controlling Anemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
52

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work With Your Doctor
54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Talk To Your Family
55

A Final Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To Learn More
56

1









Introduction

You’ve probably picked up this booklet because you’ve read about
anemia and are curious to learn more. Perhaps you’ve just been
diagnosed, or a family member has been. Or, you’ve had anemia for
a while, and you want to learn more about it.
People of all ages, races, and ethnicities can develop anemia at some
point in their lives. There are many types of anemia, and they are
linked to a variety of diseases and conditions. Some types of anemia
are very common, and some are very rare. Some are very mild and
have little or no impact on a person’s life. Some are severe and can
even be life-threatening if not treated aggressively. All anemias have
one thing in common, though: They all affect your blood, and that
affects your overall health. The good news is that anemia often can
be successfully treated or even prevented.
This booklet gives you an overview of anemia. It starts with general
information—what causes anemia, who’s at risk, how it’s diagnosed,
and how it’s treated. Then, the booklet goes into more detail about
major types of anemia: iron-deficiency, pernicious, aplastic, and
hemolytic. The booklet wraps up with some closing thoughts about
leading a healthy lifestyle, working with your doctor, and talking
with your family. These are important things to
think about when it comes to anemia.
The booklet doesn’t provide detailed
information about all types of
anemia. If you’re interested
in anemia topics other
than the ones discussed
here, check out the
resources listed in the
“To Learn More”
section at the end of the
booklet.
Introduction
2
Your Guide to Anemia









Anemia

What Is Anemia?
Anemia is a blood disorder. Blood is a vital liquid that flows
through your veins and arteries. Your body contains about 5 to
6 quarts of blood, which are constantly being pumped throughout
your body by your heart. Blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and other
essential compounds. It also helps
regulate your body temperature,
fights infection, and gets rid of
waste products. When some­
thing goes wrong in your
blood, it can have a big impact
on your health and quality of
life. (For more information
about blood, see “What Is
Blood Made Of?” on page 3.)
In anemia, your body
doesn’t have enough red
blood cells (RBCs).
RBCs are one of the
three main types of
blood cells. They
contain hemoglobin, a
protein that carries
oxygen throughout
your body. When you
don’t have enough
RBCs or the amount of
hemoglobin in your
blood is low, your body
doesn’t get all the oxygen it
needs. As a result, you may
feel tired or have other
symptoms.
3
What Is Blood
Made Of?
Blood consists of liquid and solids. The liquid part, called
plasma, is mostly water. Plasma carries essential nutrients,
hormones, and proteins throughout your body. Plasma also
carries waste products from cells to the kidneys and digestive
system to be removed from your body.
The solid part of blood contains three types of blood cells—red
blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
l Red blood cells (RBCs) are shaped like discs and are
slightly indented in the center. They contain hemoglobin,
a protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of
your body. Your body depends on oxygen to carry out its
functions. Hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide (a waste
product) from the body to the lungs, where you breathe it
out. The hemoglobin in RBCs gives blood its red color.
l White blood cells (WBCs) fight infection. They are part of
your body’s immune system. Your body makes five different
types of WBCs. When you get an infection or other type
of illness, your body will make more of the specific type of
WBC that’s needed to fight that illness.
l Platelets are tiny oval-shaped blood cell fragments that
help your blood clot. If you begin to bleed inside or on the
surface of your body, platelets gather at the spot and stick
together to seal small cuts or breaks on blood vessel walls.
Then, proteins called clotting factors join the platelets to
form a stable clot that stops the bleeding.
Blood cells are made in your bone marrow—the spongy tissue
inside many of your bones. Blood cells live for various lengths of
time. RBCs live about 120 days, and platelets live about 6 days.
WBCs have various lifespans. Some types live about 1 day,
while others may live a long time. Your bone marrow is always
making new blood cells to replace those that have died or are
destroyed or lost.


Anemia
Your Guide to Anemia





4
What Causes Anemia?
Anemia occurs when your body makes too few RBCs, destroys too
many RBCs, or loses too many RBCs. Many diseases, conditions,
and other factors can cause this to happen. (See “What Can Cause
Your Body To Make Too Few Red Blood Cells?” on page 5, “What
Can Cause Your Body To Destroy Too Many Red Blood Cells?” on
page 6, and “What Can Cause Your Body To Lose Too Many Red
Blood Cells?” on page 7 for examples of causes of anemia.)
The causes of anemia can be acquired or inherited. “Acquired”
means you aren’t born with the condition, but you develop it.
“Inherited” means your parents passed
on the gene for the condition to you.
Sometimes, the cause of anemia is
unknown.
5

Making Too Few Red Blood Cells
To make enough healthy hemoglobin and RBCs, your body needs
iron, vitamin B12, folate (another B vitamin), small amounts of other
vitamins and minerals, and protein. You get these nutrients from the
foods you eat. Your body also needs a proper balance of hormones,
especially erythropoietin, a hormone that boosts RBC production.
What Can Cause Your Body
To Make Too Few
Red Blood Cells?
Acquired Causes
Inherited Causes
l Folate or iron deficiency
from poor diet
l Demand for RBCs
outstrips supply
l Some cancers (e.g.,
leukemia, lymphoma,
and multiple myeloma)
l Toxins (e.g., pesticides)
l

Radiation and
chemotherapy treatments
for cancer
l Some viral infections
(e.g., hepatitis and
Epstein-Barr)
l Some antibiotics and
medicines for rheumatoid
arthritis
l Autoimmune disorders
(e.g., lupus)
l Pregnancy
l Fanconi anemia
l Shwachman-Diamond
syndrome
l Dyskeratosis congenita
l Diamond-Blackfan
anemia
l Amegakaryocytic
thrombocytopenia



Anemia
6
Your Guide to Anemia









Your body’s ability to make RBCs can be affected by acquired or
inherited conditions. For example, having a poor diet may prevent
you from getting the nutrients you need to make hemoglobin and
RBCs. Some people have conditions that stop them from absorbing
vitamin B12 from food or that make their bone marrow less able to
make all three types of blood cells. These conditions can lead to
anemia. Certain chronic (ongoing) diseases—such as cancer, HIV/
AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and kidney
disease—also can harm the body’s ability to make enough RBCs.
Destroying Too Many Red Blood Cells
Sometimes, RBCs are destroyed before they reach the end of their
natural lifespan of about 120 days (a process called hemolysis).
RBCs may be destroyed in such large numbers that the bone mar­
row can’t make enough new RBCs to keep up. Hemolysis can be
caused by an acquired or inherited condition.
Certain diseases or infections, such as lupus or hepatitis, are exam­
ples of acquired conditions that may cause your body to destroy too
many RBCs.



What Can Cause Your Body
To Destroy Too Many
Red Blood Cells?
Acquired Causes
Inherited Causes
l
Immune hemolytic anemia
(immune system makes
antibodies against RBCs
or medicines, leading to
RBC destruction)
l Physical damage to RBCs
l Paroxysmal nocturnal
hemoglobinuria
l
Infection (e.g., malaria)

l Sickle cell anemia
l Thalassemias
l Hereditary spherocytosis
l Hereditary elliptocytosis
l Glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase (G6PD)
deficiency
l Pyruvate kinase deficiency
Anemia 7
Examples of inherited conditions that make your body destroy too
many RBCs include certain blood diseases and autoimmune disor

­
ders. These diseases cause your body to make antibodies (proteins
made by the immune system) that destroy the RBCs too early.
Another condition, in which a person lacks the enzyme glucose-
6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), also can lead to anemia.
Without this enzyme, the RBCs can break apart and die before the
end of their usual lifespan.
Losing Too Many Red Blood Cells
The third main way in which people develop anemia is through
blood loss. When you lose blood you can lose a large number of
RBCs, and that can cause anemia. The loss of those RBCs also leads
to low levels of iron in your body. Without enough iron, your body
will make fewer RBCs than it needs, and the RBCs it does make will
have less hemoglobin than normal. That, too, can lead to anemia.



What Can Cause Your Body
To Lose Too Many
Red Blood Cells?
Chronic Causes
Sudden Causes
l Heavy menstrual bleeding
l Heavy, frequent
nosebleeds
l Bleeding in the digestive
or urinary tract
l Ulcers
l Some cancers (e.g.,
digestive tract, kidney,
and bladder)
l
Injuries
l Childbirth
l Burst blood vessel
l Heavy bleeding during
surgery
8
Your Guide to Anemia







Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
The signs and symptoms of anemia can be mild or severe (see “What
Is the Difference Between Signs and Symptoms?” below for an
explanation of the differences between signs and symptoms). They
depend on how severe the anemia is and how quickly it develops.
Generally, signs and symptoms increase as anemia gets worse. Many
of the signs and symptoms of anemia also occur in other diseases
and conditions.
Mild anemia may have no signs or symptoms. If you do develop
signs and symptoms, you may have tiredness, weakness, or pale or
yellowish skin. These signs and symptoms also occur in more severe
anemia and are far more obvious.
As anemia gets worse, you also may experience faintness or dizzi­
ness, increased thirst, sweating, weak and rapid pulse, or fast breath­
ing. Severe anemia may cause lower leg cramps during exercise,
shortness of breath, or neurological (brain) damage. A lack of RBCs
also may cause heart-related symptoms because your heart has to
work harder to carry oxygen-rich blood through your body. These
symptoms include arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), heart
murmur (an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat), an
enlarged heart, or even heart failure.





What Is the Difference Between

Signs and
Symptoms?
A sign is evidence of a disease or condition that someone else
can see or measure. Yellowish skin, a low hemoglobin level,
and abnormal heart rhythms are all signs of anemia.
A symptom is a feeling that a person experiences with a
disease or condition. Tiredness and chest pain are symptoms
of anemia.
9

Anemia S Z E - P I N G
“
It’s important to tell your
doctor what you are
experiencing, so you
can help your doctor
diagnose your condition.”
10
Your Guide to Anemia



Diagnosing Anemia
People find out they have anemia in various ways. It may be found
when you are being tested for another condition. (Iron-deficiency
anemia is often found this way. You also might find out that you
have iron-deficiency anemia if you try to give blood and are turned
down because you have a low hemoglobin level.)
Or, you may have signs or symptoms and go to your doctor, who
discovers the anemia through blood tests. Some signs and symp­
toms, like pale skin or tiredness, can be due to many causes besides
anemia. Other signs and symptoms, like a low number of RBCs or
abnormally shaped RBCs, are due only to anemia or even to a
specific type of anemia.
Your doctor will likely take a few initial steps to find out whether
your signs and symptoms are the result of anemia or some other
condition. If these first steps suggest anemia, your doctor may
recommend other tests and procedures to find out what kind of
anemia you have and how severe it is. This information will help
your doctor appropriately treat the anemia and the underlying
condition causing it. Most anemias are treatable, so an accurate
diagnosis is important.
This section provides general information about the steps in diag­
nosing anemia. See the “Types of Anemia” section on page 16 for
information about diagnostic tests for
specific types of anemia.
Medical and Family Histories
The first thing your doctor will do is
ask you about your signs and symp­
toms and how long you’ve had them.
Your doctor also will want to know
about things that might possibly be
causing anemia. For example, he
or she may ask about your diet
to see whether you’re eating
enough nutrient- and iron-rich
foods. Or, you may be asked
about medicines or supplements
you take, whether you have any
implanted medical devices (such
as an artificial heart valve), or
11















whether you’ve been exposed to certain toxins or chemicals. Your
answers will help your doctor figure out the possible cause of your
anemia. Just as importantly, your answers can help your doctor rule
out other possible causes of your signs and symptoms.
Your doctor also will want to learn about your medical and family
histories. He or she may ask you about your menstrual and preg­
nancy history and about illnesses or conditions you’ve had. Your
doctor also may ask about a family history of anemia or anemia-
related conditions.
Physical Exam
Your doctor will give you a physical exam. This is done to confirm
signs and symptoms and learn what organs or body systems may be
involved. The findings will help your doctor determine your type of
anemia and what condition may be causing it. The findings also will
help your doctor decide how severe the anemia is.
Your doctor may check the color of your skin, gums, and nail beds
and look for signs of bleeding or infection. He or she may listen to
your heart for a rapid or irregular heartbeat and your lungs for
rapid or uneven breathing. Your doctor also may feel your abdo­
men for an enlarged liver or spleen, check for bone pain, or conduct
a pelvic or rectal exam to check for internal bleeding.
Your doctor also may conduct a neurological exam. This involves
checking how well your muscles, senses, and reflexes work and
testing to check your mental status, coordination, and ability to walk.
Tests and Procedures
Your doctor will recommend tests to figure out the type of anemia
you may have and its severity. Often, the first test is a complete
blood count (CBC). A CBC is a broad-scale test that provides a
count of all the RBCs, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in a
sample of your blood. It also includes other tests that provide useful
information about your blood.
Your doctor can use this information to help determine whether you
have anemia, what type you may have, and what underlying condi­
tion may be causing the anemia. Depending on the results of the
CBC, your doctor may recommend further tests.
“Tests for Anemia” on page 12 summarizes the CBC and other
common tests and procedures that your doctor may recommend to
diagnose anemia.
Anemia
12
Your Guide to Anemia
Tests for Anemia

Complete Blood Count Tests
Test
What Does This Test Do?
What Clues Does It Reveal About
Possible Anemia?
Red blood
cell (RBC),
white blood
cell (WBC),
and platelet
count
Counts all the RBCs, WBCs,
and platelets in a sample of
blood. Gives information
about the size, shape, and
physical characteristics of
the blood cells.
A lower than normal number of
RBCs suggests anemia. Specific
changes in number, size, or shape
point to whether the anemia is
caused by less production, more
destruction, or loss of RBCs.
WBC
differential
Identifies the five types of
WBCs in a blood sample
and the relative percentage
of each in the sample.
Specific types of WBCs increase in
response to certain diseases and
conditions. A WBC differential can
help identify a condition that may
be causing anemia.
Hemoglobin Measures the amount of
oxygen-carrying protein in
the blood.
A low level of hemoglobin points to
diseases (such as iron-deficiency
anemia) that usually cause the
body to make too few RBCs.
Hematocrit
Measures how much space
RBCs take up in your blood.
A low hematocrit level points to
anemia. An abnormal hematocrit
level also may be a sign of a blood
or bone marrow disorder.
Mean
corpuscular
volume
(MCV)
Measures the average size
of RBCs.
RBC size gives a clue to the type of
anemia. Larger than normal RBCs
may suggest pernicious anemia
caused by vitamin B12 or folate
deficiency. Smaller than normal
RBCs suggest iron-deficiency
anemia or thalassemia (a rare,
inherited anemia).
Mean
corpuscular
hemoglobin
(MCH)
Calculates the average
amount of oxygen-carrying
hemoglobin inside an RBC.
Mirrors MCV results: Larger than
normal RBCs have more oxygen-
carrying hemoglobin; smaller than
normal RBCs often have less.
Mean
corpuscular
hemoglobin
concentra­
tion (MCHC)
Calculates average
concentration of hemoglobin
inside an RBC.
Abnormal values may offer clues
to the type of anemia or other
possible conditions.
Red cell
distribution
width
Calculates the difference in
size of RBCs.
Amount of difference in size may
suggest the body is trying to make
new RBCs to correct the anemia
or may suggest a cause for the
anemia.
13

Other Blood Tests
Test
What Does This Test Do?
What Clues Does It Reveal About
Possible Anemia?
Blood smear Shows size, shape, and
number of RBCs, WBCs,
and platelets. Used when
complete blood count
results are abnormal.
The presence of abnormal or
immature blood cells can point to
possible causes for the anemia.
Reticulocyte Measures the number of
A markedly higher reticulocyte
count
young RBCs in the blood.
Shows whether the bone
marrow is making enough
RBCs at the correct rate
or at a higher rate in an
appropriate response to the
anemia.
count may point to hemolytic
anemia. A lower reticulocyte
count can point to iron-deficiency
anemia, pernicious anemia,
aplastic anemia, or other
anemias caused by reduced RBC
production.
Serum iron
Measures the total amount
of iron in the blood.
Iron is a part of hemoglobin.
Nearly all iron in the blood is bound
to a protein called transferrin.
Transferrin transports iron to the
bone marrow, where hemoglobin
and RBCs are made, or to body
tissues for storage.
Abnormal results on these tests
can point to iron-deficiency
anemia.
Total iron-
binding
capacity
(TIBC)
Measures the total amount
of iron that can be bound by
transferrin.
Unsaturated
iron-binding
capacity
(UIBC)
Determines the portion of
transferrin that is not yet
saturated with iron.
Transferrin
saturation
Shows the percentage of
transferrin that is saturated
with iron. It is calculated
using results of serum iron,
TIBC, and UIBC tests.
Serum
ferritin
Reflects the amount of stored
iron in your whole body.
Coombs test Looks for antibodies
directed against RBCs.
A positive result points to the
presence of antibodies (proteins
made by the immune system).
These results can point to
hemolytic anemia.
G6PD test
Measures the amount
of glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase (G6PD) in
RBCs.
If RBCs lack the enzyme G6PD,
they become weak and can break
apart. (Enzymes are proteins
that drive chemical reactions in
the body.) Abnormal results can
point to a G6PD deficiency, an
inherited condition that can lead to
hemolytic anemia.
Anemia
14
Your Guide to Anemia






Tests for Anemia (continued)
Bone Marrow Tests
Test
What Does This Test Do?
What Clues Does It Reveal About
Possible Anemia?
Bone
marrow
aspiration
and bone
marrow
biopsy
Gives information about the
marrow’s ability to make
enough healthy blood cells.
(The doctor collects and
evaluates a sample of bone
marrow.)
Abnormal results showing only a
few cells in the bone marrow can
point to aplastic anemia.
Treating Anemia
The good news is that anemia often is easily treated. The treatment
your doctor chooses will depend on the type of anemia you have, its
cause, and how severe it is.
The main goals of treatment are to:
n Increase your RBC count or hemoglobin level to improve the
oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood
n Treat the underlying condition causing your anemia
n Prevent complications of the anemia, such as heart or nerve
damage
n Relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life
People who have mild or moderate anemia with no symptoms or
whose anemia isn’t getting worse may need no treatment. The
exceptions include nutritional anemias such as iron-deficiency
anemia, in which the low level of iron in the body may have other
harmful effects besides anemia. (For more information, see the
section on infants and children on page 19 under “Who Is At Risk
for Iron-Deficiency Anemia?”)
People who have severe anemia or anemia that’s getting worse need
treatment. Some rare anemias, like severe aplastic anemia, can be
fatal without treatment. The risk of death may increase dramati­
cally if a person has low levels of other blood cells besides RBCs,
such as WBCs or platelets.
15








Anemia treatments are evolving and relate to the type of anemia.
For example, iron-deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia are
generally treated through dietary changes and supplements. Other
types of anemia are treated with medicines, procedures, surgery, or
lifestyle changes. Occasionally, a person may need blood transfu­
sions, but this treatment is used only with severe anemia. (The
“Types of Anemia” section on page 16 provides more detail on the
treatments used for specific anemias. For a description of the health
care providers who may help treat your anemia, see “Who Will Treat
Your Anemia?” below.)
Who Will Treat


Your Anemia?

Primary care providers—family doctors, internists, pediatri­
cians, and nurse practitioners—can treat many anemias. Your
health care provider also may want to work with one or more
specialists to help treat your anemia. These specialists may
include a:
l Hematologist, a doctor who specializes in treating blood
disorders.
l Gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in treating
digestive system and liver diseases and conditions.
l Obstetrician/gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in
medical and surgical care for women and who focuses on
pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive
system.
l Cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in treating heart and
blood vessel diseases and conditions.
l Neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating nervous
system disorders, including diseases of the brain, spinal
cord, nerves, and muscles.
l Registered dietitian, an accredited food and nutrition
expert.
Anemia
16
Your Guide to Anemia







Types of Anemia
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
You probably know iron as a metal used in everyday products, such
as wrought-iron fences and furniture. In prehistoric times, humans
used iron to make tools. Today, you might use cast-iron cooking
pots and pans.
Iron also is part of your body chemistry, and it plays an essential
role in keeping you healthy. Your body needs iron to make hemo­
globin, the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen.
Your body has a tightly controlled system for absorbing, using, and
recycling iron. In this system, iron first goes to the bone marrow,
where it combines with hemoglobin and is used to make RBCs. Any
extra iron that isn’t immediately needed for RBCs is stored in body
tissues. At the end of their lifespans, RBCs are destroyed and the
hemoglobin is broken down. The iron is returned to the bone
marrow, where it’s used to make new RBCs.
Most of the iron in your body is con­
stantly recycled and reused in this way.
However, you lose a little iron every
day through normal body processes.
You need a regular source of iron to
ensure that your body has enough to
make the RBCs it needs. The main
way you get iron is from food,
though only a relatively small
amount of the iron in food
is actually absorbed by
your body.
17
















Your body’s system of absorbing, using, and recycling iron works
well until the iron “supply and demand” balance is upset.
What Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia and What Causes It?
At certain times—such as during pregnancy, growth spurts, or blood
loss—your body may need to make more RBCs than usual. It
therefore needs more iron than usual. Your body will get the extra
iron it needs by increasing the amount of iron absorbed from food,
drawing on stored iron, or both.
Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body can’t match
its need for iron. This can happen if demands for iron are too high, if
supplies of iron are too low, or if iron is lost from the body because
of too much bleeding (such as may occur during menstruation).
(See “Causes of Iron-Deficiency Anemia” on page 18 for more details
about these causes.)
Once you use up all the iron stores in your
body and you can’t absorb enough iron
from food, your body will begin
to make fewer RBCs and they
will contain less hemo­
globin than they
should. This leads to
iron-deficiency
anemia, a common
cause of anemia
and the most
common nutritional
deficiency
worldwide.
Types of Anemia
18
Your Guide to AnemiaCauses of
Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia may develop because the body’s
demand for iron is greater than its supply, because of low iron
intake or poor iron absorption, or as a result of blood loss.
The body’s demand for iron may go beyond its supply as a
result of:
l Rapid growth in infancy, childhood, or adolescence
l The body trying to replace blood that is lost
l Pregnancy
l Erythropoietin therapy for kidney disease


Low iron intake or poor absorption of iron may occur as a
result of:
l An inadequate diet
l An inability to absorb iron from your diet
l Acute or chronic inflammation (such as inflammatory bowel
disease)
Blood loss that can lead to iron-
deficiency anemia may occur as a
result of:
l Chronic bleeding (for example,
from a bleeding ulcer or other
internal bleeding)
l Heavy blood loss from
injury or surgery
l Heavy menstrual periods
l Frequent blood donation
or phlebotomy (a medical
procedure similar to
blood donation) over a
short time
19












Who Is At Risk for Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
Infants and children. Getting enough iron is essential for normal
growth and development. Infants and children can be at high risk
for iron-deficiency anemia because they are growing so quickly.
They generally eat less than teens and adults, so it can be hard for
them to get enough iron from their diets.
Some infants are at particularly high risk for iron-deficiency anemia.
These include premature or low-birth-weight babies and babies who
are fed formula that is not fortified with iron. Infants who are fed
only breast milk for longer than 6 months and not given iron
supplements also are at high risk.
Infants and young children who follow a diet with few iron-
containing foods also are at high risk. Drinking more than recom­
mended amounts of cow’s milk can be a problem if it takes the place
of iron-rich foods. Also, milk contains calcium, which can block
iron absorption.
Finally, young children who had iron-deficiency anemia as infants
also are at high risk for continuing to have this form of anemia.
Studies have shown that normal iron levels are needed for healthy
brain development. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat
iron-deficiency anemia, even if the anemia is not severe.
Adolescents. The body’s need for iron is higher during the teen
years. Teen boys and girls need extra iron because their bodies are
growing and developing quickly.
Many teens can’t keep up with this demand because their diets are
low in iron-containing foods and, for girls, because of blood loss
duing menstruation.
Women of childbearing age. During the childbearing years, women
are at greater risk for iron-deficiency anemia because of blood loss
during menstruation and high iron demands during pregnancy.
About 1 in every 5 women of childbearing age has iron-deficiency
anemia. (For more information about the body’s iron needs during
pregnancy, see “During Pregnancy, Your Body Needs More Iron” on
page 21.)
Types of Anemia
20
Your Guide to Anemia
S U S A N
“ Before my diagnosis I was always very, very
tired. I thought my busy lifestyle—a full-time
job and part-time school—was to blame.
I didn’t think I had a medical condition.
“Some years later, I had surgery for a
different health problem. At that time,
doctors told me that my extreme tiredness
was due to iron-deficiency anemia.
“My doctor prescribed iron
supplements, and advised
me to adopt an overall
healthy lifestyle that
includes good nutrition,
physical activity, and
better sleeping habits.”
21



During Pregnancy,
Your Body Needs More Iron
During pregnancy, your body changes in many ways. Your
blood responds to meet these demands. The total amount
of the fluid portion (plasma) of your blood expands by about
half, and the number of your red blood cells (RBCs) increases
by about 25 percent.
As a result, you need more iron and vitamins than usual to
make hemoglobin for your RBCs. You’ll also need extra iron
to help your baby grow and develop normally and to support
the placenta (the organ that connects your baby to you in
the womb during pregnancy). You’ll also need to build up
iron stores to help your body recover from blood loss during
delivery.
Some women enter pregnancy with very little iron stored in
their bodies and with diets that are low in iron,
B vitamins, and other nutrients needed to make
hemoglobin. This is especially true for teens
who become pregnant. About half of all
pregnant women develop iron-deficiency
anemia.
Iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy is
a serious problem because it can raise the
risk for low birth-weight, preterm delivery,
or death of the baby just before or after
birth. It also may be related to maternal
depression after the baby’s birth.
All pregnant women should be tested
for iron-deficiency anemia when they
visit their doctors. Depending on
the results, your doctor may talk
to you about taking iron or other
supplements and making changes
in your diet. (See “Make Sure You
Get Enough Iron From Your Diet” on
page 23 for tips.)
Types of Anemia
22
Your Guide to AnemiaOther at-risk groups. Several other groups also are at risk of
developing iron-deficiency anemia:
n People who have gastrointestinal bleeding because of cancer,
ulcers, or long-term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
n People who have certain intestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s
disease or celiac disease.
n


People who regularly use medicines to decrease stomach acid.
These medicines affect the intestine’s ability to absorb nutri­
ents, including iron.
n People who have kidney failure and who are on dialysis. This
group is at higher risk for iron-deficiency anemia because
some bleeding occurs during dialysis and because the kidneys
are no longer able to make erythropoietin, a hormone the
body needs to make RBCs.
n People who eat few iron-rich foods or few foods that help the
body absorb iron (such as foods with vitamin C).
n People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. (A vegetarian
diet is meat-free and may include dairy products and eggs; a
vegan diet includes no animal prod­
ucts.) Iron is found in meat as
well as in grains and vegeta­
bles. However, the body can
absorb iron from meat more
easily than iron from non-
meat sources. So, people
who don’t eat meat must
choose foods carefully to
make sure they are getting
enough iron from their diets.
23












Make Sure You Get
Enough Iron From
Your Diet
Iron is found in a variety of foods
that come from animals and plants.
Red meat, seafood (fish and shellfish),
and poultry are the best sources
because they contain heme, a form of
iron that your body can absorb more
easily than the iron in plant foods
(called nonheme iron).
These tips can help you choose
iron-rich foods and boost your body’s
absorption of iron. Check the Nutrition
Facts label and ingredients list to learn
more about the iron content of foods.
Foods that have less than 5 percent
of the Daily Value (DV) are low in iron.
Foods with 20 percent or more of the
DV are high in iron.
Choose foods that are sources of
iron, such as:
l Clams, oysters, shrimp, and
sardines
l
Iron-fortified, ready-to-eat
cereals and instant cooked
cereals
l Organ meats (liver and giblets)
l Cooked dry beans and peas
(white beans, lentils, chickpeas,
kidney beans, and lima beans)

l Spinach and turnip greens
l Lean beef, lamb, and duck
(without skin)

Types of Anemia
24
Your Guide to Anemia










Make Sure You Get
Enough Iron From
Your Diet (continued)
Get the most out of the iron in your foods:
l To make the most of the iron from plant foods, combine
them with meat and/or vitamin C-rich foods. For example,
enjoy a bowl of chili made with kidney beans, beef, canned
tomatoes, and tomato puree. The protein in the meat and
the vitamin C in the tomatoes will boost absorption of the
iron in the beans. Or, have a bowl of iron-fortified breakfast
cereal with a glass of 100 percent orange juice.
l
Include iron-enriched cereals, breads, and pasta (including
iron-fortified whole-grain varieties) in your diet. Most
refined-grain cereals, breads (such as white bread), and
pasta available in grocery stores are enriched with iron
and other nutrients. Check the Nutrition Facts label and
ingredients list to learn more about the iron content of grain
foods.
l Some foods and substances block absorption of iron—for
example, coffee, tea, egg yolks, phytates in fiber-containing
foods, and soy protein. Try to avoid these when you eat
foods high in iron.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
Iron-deficiency anemia has a variety of signs and symptoms. They
generally depend on how serious the anemia is. Often, mild anemia
has no signs or symptoms. Many of the signs and symptoms of
iron-deficiency anemia are found in other types of anemia as well.
Infants and young children who have iron-deficiency anemia can
have poor appetite, slowed growth, and developmental or behav­
ioral problems.
For adults, the most common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia
is tiredness, which is caused by not having enough hemoglobin to
25






transport all the oxygen your body needs. Other signs and symp­
toms include pale skin, weak nails, swelling or soreness of the
tongue, headaches, and dizziness or light-headedness. Shortness of
breath during exercise, a fast heartbeat, cold hands and feet, and
higher risk of infection also can occur in severe cases of iron-
deficiency anemia.
People who have iron-deficiency anemia may get an unusual craving
for nonfood substances, such as ice, dirt, or laundry starch. This
craving is called pica. People also sometimes develop restless legs
syndrome (RLS). RLS is a disorder in which people have a strong
urge to move their legs. This urge can occur with strange tingling or
crawling feelings in the legs.
Some signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are related to
the cause of the anemia. For example, a sign of bleeding in the
digestive tract is bright red blood in the stool or black stools.
How Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed?
Your doctor will use the basic tests described earlier (under “Diag­
nosing Anemia” on page 10) to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia. If
your anemia is mild, you may have no signs or symptoms at all.
Your doctor may discover the anemia while testing you for some­
thing else.
If you do have symptoms, your doctor will ask you about them and
how long you’ve had them. He or she also will be interested in your
diet and other illnesses or conditions you have that could be related
(such as intestinal disorders that affect your ability to absorb iron
from food). If you’re a woman, your doctor will ask about your
menstrual and pregnancy history. During the physical exam, your
doctor may check your skin and nails and listen to your heart and
lungs.
If your doctor suspects iron-deficiency anemia, he or she will likely
recommend a complete blood count. If this blood test confirms the
diagnosis, your doctor may recommend other blood tests to find out
what’s causing the anemia and how severe it is. These tests include a
blood smear, a reticulocyte count, and blood iron tests. (See “Tests
for Anemia” on page 12 for more details on these tests.)
Your doctor also may recommend tests to check the level of erythro­
poietin in your blood. This hormone stimulates the bone marrow to
make RBCs.
Types of Anemia
26
Your Guide to AnemiaIf iron-deficiency anemia is confirmed and your doctor thinks it may
be caused by internal bleeding, you may have one or more of the
following tests to identify the cause:
n Fecal occult blood test, which detects blood in the stool.
n

Endoscopy, a test in which a thin, flexible tube equipped with
a video camera is passed down your throat to your stomach.
This test allows your doctor to see whether you have any
bleeding in your esophagus (the passage that runs from your
mouth to your stomach) or stomach.
n



Colonoscopy, a test in which a thin, flexible tube equipped
with a video camera is passed through your rectum and into
your colon. This test allows your doctor to check for internal
bleeding in your lower digestive tract. In adult men and in
teen boys who have gone through puberty who have no other
obvious cause of anemia, this procedure may be necessary to
prove that the cause is not from bleeding in the lower intes­
tine. This may be the only way to be sure that the person
doesn’t have colon cancer, which can cause scarcely noticeable
bleeding over a long period.
n

Ultrasound, a painless and harmless test that uses high-
frequency sound waves to create pictures of structures inside
your body. Your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound to see
whether uterine fibroids (noncancerous tumors in the uterus)
or other conditions are causing heavy menstrual bleeding.



How Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Treated?
The two most common ways to treat iron-deficiency anemia are
dietary changes and iron supplements. To get your blood iron up to
a healthy level quickly, your doctor may suggest that you take an
iron supplement, such as prescription ferrous sulfate tablets or an
over-the-counter supplement. You may need to take the supplement
for several months or longer to build up your body’s iron stores.
Supplements come in pill form or in liquid form for children.
Too-large amounts of iron can be harmful, so be sure to follow your
doctor’s instructions about how much to take. (Also see the safety
note on page 27.)
27
Here are some additional tips on taking iron supplements:
n






As the amount of iron you take increases, the amount that
your body absorbs drops. Thus it’s best to take a prescribed
amount in two or three doses throughout the day rather than
in a single dose.
n Iron supplements can upset your stomach. Taking them with
food can help lessen this side effect. Your doctor also may
suggest that you start with half the recommended dose and
gradually build up to the full dose.
n Iron supplements can make you constipated, so your doctor
may suggest a stool softener. Drinking plenty of water also
can help. (Iron also tends to turn stools black, which is
harmless.)
n Vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so your doctor may
suggest that you take your iron supplement with 100 percent
orange juice or a vitamin C tablet.
S A F E T Y N O T E

Keep Iron Supplements
Out of Reach of
Children
The high doses of iron in these supplements can quickly
cause life-threatening poisoning if your child eats them.
This is particularly important for pregnant women taking
prenatal vitamins. Because prenatal
vitamins are often brightly
colored capsules, your
young child may think they
are candy.
Types of Anemia
28
Your Guide to Anemia
















Your doctor also may suggest dietary changes, such as eating more
iron-rich foods, iron-enriched breads and cereals, and fruits and
vegetables that contain vitamin C. If you are a vegetarian or vegan,
talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about the best choices
for your diet. This is especially important for vegetarian or vegan
women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
In rare cases or if iron-deficiency is severe or caused by certain
conditions, people may need other treatments for their iron-
deficiency anemia. These treatments include blood transfusions,
medicines such as erythropoietin therapy to help the bone marrow
make more RBCs, or surgery to treat internal bleeding.
Pernicious Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia isn’t the only anemia that involves vitamins
and minerals. A second type of anemia, called pernicious anemia,
involves vitamin B12. Your body needs vitamin B12 and folate
(another B vitamin) to make healthy red blood cells (RBCs).
Vitamin B12 also is needed to make DNA (the building blocks of
the body’s genetic code) and for normal nerve function.
Unlike most B vitamins, B12 is found naturally in foods that come
from animals—such as seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy
products. Some breads, cereals, and soy beverages also are fortified
with vitamin B12. Your body absorbs B12 from these foods and
stores it in your liver until it is needed.
Pernicious anemia got its name (which means “deadly”) because it
usually was fatal in the past, before vitamin B12 shots were avail­
able. Today, pernicious anemia is easily treated.
What Is Pernicious Anemia and What Causes It?
Pernicious anemia is a condition in which the body can’t make
enough healthy RBCs because it can’t absorb enough vitamin B12
from food. The body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12 is due to a
lack of intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach.
Other conditions also can cause pernicious anemia. For example,
problems with the small intestine can prevent the body from absorb­
ing vitamin B12. A lack of vitamin B12 in the diet also can lead to
pernicious anemia. A vitamin B12 deficiency may occur with a
folate deficiency.
29







Without enough vitamin B12, RBCs don’t divide normally and are
too big. They can have trouble getting out of the bone marrow and
into the bloodstream.
Who Is At Risk for Pernicious Anemia?
Pernicious anemia is most common among people of Northern
European descent, though it’s also found in other populations.
Those at increased risk of developing the condition include people
who lack intrinsic factor, who can’t properly absorb vitamin B12, or
who don’t get enough vitamin B12 in their diets.
People who lack intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor attaches to
vitamin B12 and takes it to the intestines, where it is absorbed. An
autoimmune response may cause a lack of intrinsic factor in the
body. This type of response can occur if the immune system makes
antibodies (proteins made by the immune system) that attack the
stomach cells that make intrinsic factor. Conditions such as
Addison’s disease, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease, and vitiligo can
cause this type of autoimmune response. Rarely, children are born
with a condition called congenital pernicious anemia. This disorder
prevents their bodies from making intrinsic factor. Surgery to
remove part or all of the stomach also can lead to a lack of intrinsic
factor because the surgery removes the cells that make the protein.
People who can’t properly absorb vitamin B12. Conditions in which
too many bacteria grow too fast in the intestine can prevent the
body from absorbing vitamin B12. The bacteria use up all the
vitamin B12 before the intestine can absorb it. This is a common
cause of pernicious anemia in older people.
Some gastrointestinal conditions, such
as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease,
also interfere with vitamin B12
absorption.
Certain medicines can alter bacterial
growth in the intestine or prevent
proper absorption of vitamin B12.
Also, the body may not be able
to absorb enough vitamin
B12 if all or part of the
stomach is surgically
removed.
Types of Anemia
30
Your Guide to Anemia


















Additionally, tapeworm infections can prevent the body from
properly absorbing vitamin B12.
People who don’t get enough vitamin B12 in their diets. Because
vitamin B12 is naturally found only in foods that come from animals,
vegans must take vitamin B12 supplements and eat foods fortified
with vitamin B12 to ensure that they get enough of this vitamin.
Breastfed babies of strict vegetarians and vegans are at risk because
they are not able to store up enough vitamin B12 in their bodies.
Older people and people who suffer from alcoholism also may be at
risk for pernicious anemia if they don’t get enough vitamin B12 in
their diets.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia?
Your body stores large amounts of vitamin B12 that it absorbs from
food. It can take 3 to 5 years for your body to exhaust its stores
and for signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia to occur. Some
signs and symptoms are specific to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Others
are the result of the anemia that the vitamin B12 deficiency causes.
Signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia develop slowly. The most
common symptom, which occurs in all types of anemia, is tiredness.
Tiredness occurs because your body doesn’t have enough RBCs to
carry all of the oxygen it needs.
Too few RBCs also can cause light-headedness and dizziness, palpi­
tations and rapid heartbeats, and shortness of breath. (Palpitations
are feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating
too hard or too fast.) Other possible signs and symptoms of perni­
cious anemia include cold hands and feet, pale or yellowish skin,
pale gums and nail beds, and chest pain. Heart-related symptoms
also can occur, such as heart murmur (an extra or unusual sound
heard during a heartbeat), an enlarged heart, or even heart failure.
Over time, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage. This
can cause symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the hands and
feet, muscle weakness, problems walking, and irritability. Nerve
damage also can cause problems such as memory loss, dementia (a
loss of brain function), depression, and psychosis (mental illness).
Digestive tract problems—such as nausea, poor appetite, weight loss,
and diarrhea—also can happen with a vitamin B12 deficiency.
31

Types of Anemia S H E R M A N
“
I went to the doctor for some routine blood
tests and found out I had vitamin B12
deficiency (pernicious anemia). I didn’t
have any symptoms, and didn’t know I
had a B12 deficiency until the doctor
told me.
“The doctor said that taking
vitamin B12 shots would give
me more pep. He started me
out with vitamin B12 shots
once a week for 6 weeks.
Now I only need them once
a month.
“I’ve always eaten pretty
healthy. And while I’ve slowed
down a bit since my diagnosis
of pernicious anemia, I still walk
2 miles 3–4 times a week.”
32
Your Guide to Anemia












Infants who are lacking vitamin B12 may have poor reflexes and
unusual movements. They also may have trouble feeding and be
irritable. In severe cases, these infants may fail to thrive and have
permanent growth problems.
How Is Pernicious Anemia Diagnosed?
Pernicious anemia is diagnosed based on your medical and family
histories, a physical exam, and the results from tests. Your doctor
will ask you about your symptoms, diet, and history of medical
conditions and surgeries. He or she also will ask whether you or
anyone in your family has had a vitamin B12 deficiency or anemia.
This information will give your doctor important clues about wheth­
er you have pernicious anemia and its possible cause.
During the physical exam, your doctor may check your skin and
tongue, listen to your heart, and check for signs of nerve damage.
This will help your doctor learn more about the severity of your
anemia and how the disorder is affecting your body.
Your doctor may recommend tests to help diagnose pernicious
anemia and find out what’s causing it. Often, the first test used to
diagnose anemia is a complete blood count (CBC). This test mea­
sures many parts of your blood and looks at the number and
appearance of your blood cells. In pernicious anemia, the RBCs are
larger than normal. (For more information about the CBC, see
“Tests for Anemia” on page 12.)
If the CBC shows that you have anemia, your doctor may recom­
mend other tests, including:
n A reticulocyte count. This test measures the number of young
RBCs in your blood. The results tell your doctor whether
your bone marrow is making enough healthy RBCs. People
who have pernicious anemia have low reticulocyte counts.
n A test for blood levels of vitamins. This test measures levels of
vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C in your blood.
n

A test for homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels.
People who have pernicious anemia have higher than normal
levels of these substances in their blood.
33
n


An antibodies test. This test measures whether your body is
making antibodies to attack the stomach cells that make
intrinsic factor. Results of this test will reveal the cause of
your pernicious anemia.
n Bone marrow tests. These tests show whether your bone
marrow is healthy and making enough healthy RBCs. People
who have pernicious anemia have larger than normal bone
marrow cells.
How Is Pernicious Anemia Treated?
The two main treatments for pernicious anemia are vitamin B12
supplements and dietary changes. It’s important to begin treatment
as soon as pernicious anemia is diagnosed. A vitamin B12 deficiency
can cause nervous system problems that may become permanent if
the deficiency isn’t treated promptly. With the right treatment,
symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia improve
quickly.
If you have severe pernicious anemia that’s due to a lack of intrinsic
factor, vitamin B12 shots usually are recommended. The shots are
given often at first—every day or several times a week—until your
vitamin B12 levels return to normal. After that, you will continue to
need shots less often—perhaps only once a month.
If your pernicious anemia is due to bacteria in your intestine that
prevent you from absorbing vitamin B12, your doctor may prescribe
antibiotics.
If your pernicious anemia is due to a lack of vitamin B12 in your
diet, your doctor may recommend vitamin B12 supplements. These
supplements come in pill, nasal spray, and gel forms. Your doctor
also will suggest dietary changes so that you eat plenty of foods that
contain vitamin B12. These foods include:
n Fish, shellfish, meat, and poultry
n Eggs and dairy products (such as yogurt and cheese)
n Breads, cereals, and other foods fortified with vitamin B12
n Soy-based beverages and vegetarian burgers fortified with
vitamin B12











Types of Anemia
34
Your Guide to Anemia


Aplastic Anemia
The term “anemia” usually refers to a condition in which your
blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells (RBCs).
However, some types of anemia, such as aplastic anemia, cause
lower than normal numbers of other blood cells, too.
Your bone marrow makes stem cells, which develop into the three
types of blood cells—RBCs, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
(These stem cells are different from embryonic stem cells, which can
develop into any type of cell in the body. Embryonic stem cells
aren’t found in bone marrow.)
RBCs carry oxygen to all parts of your body. They also remove
carbon dioxide (a waste product) from your body’s cells and carry it
to the lungs to be exhaled. WBCs help your body fight infections.
Platelets are blood cell fragments that help your blood clot. They
stick together to seal small cuts or breaks on
blood vessel walls and stop bleeding.
Blood cells have defined lifespans. RBCs
live about 120 days, and platelets live
about 6 days. There are different types of
WBCs with different lifespans. As a result,
your body has a constant need for new
blood cells, and your bone marrow is always
hard at work to meet that demand.
Certain conditions and factors can disrupt
your bone marrow’s ability to make
healthy new blood cells.
What Is Aplastic Anemia and
What Causes It?
Aplastic anemia is a condition
in which your bone marrow is
damaged. As a result, your
stem cells are destroyed or
don’t develop normally.
Your body can’t make
35
























enough RBCs, WBCs, or platelets. This type of anemia is rare, but it
can be fatal.
Aplastic anemia can be acquired or inherited. Many times, the cause
of the aplastic anemia or the condition that triggers it is unknown.
Known causes of acquired aplastic anemia include:
n High-dose radiation or chemotherapy. These cancer treatments
kill cancer cells, but they also may damage other cells, such as
stem cells. When stem cells are damaged, they can’t develop
into healthy RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. Aplastic anemia may
go away after these cancer treatments are stopped.
n Environmental toxins. Substances such as pesticides, arsenic,
and benzene can damage your bone marrow, causing aplastic
anemia.
n Certain medicines. Medicines used to treat rheumatoid
arthritis and some antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol
(which is rarely used in the United States), can damage the
bone marrow and cause aplastic anemia.
n Viral infections. Hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus
B-19, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), mononucleosis,
and cytomegalovirus can damage the bone marrow and lead
to aplastic anemia.
n Autoimmune diseases. These diseases, such as lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis, may cause your immune system to
attack its own cells. This can damage bone marrow cells and
prevent them from making enough healthy, new blood cells.
Some inherited conditions can damage your stem cells, leading to
aplastic anemia. These conditions include Fanconi anemia,
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, dyskeratosis congenita, Diamond-
Blackfan anemia, and amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia.
Some women may develop mild aplastic anemia during pregnancy.
This anemia tends to go away after the baby is born.
In some cases, aplastic anemia is associated with another blood
disorder called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
A genetic mutation causes PNH. The disorder develops when
abnormal stem cells in the bone marrow make blood cells with a
Types of Anemia
36
Your Guide to Anemia











faulty outer membrane (outside layer). This destroys RBCs and
prevents the body from making enough WBCs and platelets.
Aplastic anemia may only last a short time if it’s due to a short-term
condition, illness, or other factor. However, aplastic anemia can be a
long-term condition if its cause is unknown or if an inherited
condition or long-term illness or other factor causes it.
Who Is At Risk for Aplastic Anemia?
People of all ages can develop aplastic anemia, but it is more com­
mon in adolescents, young adults, and the elderly. The condition
also is more common in Asian countries than in the United States.
Aplastic anemia is a rare disease. People at increased risk may
include those who:
n Are undergoing high-dose radiation or chemotherapy for
cancer
n Are exposed to certain environmental toxins, such as
pesticides, arsenic, and benzene
n Take certain medicines, such as those used to treat rheuma­
toid arthritis and some types of antibiotics
n Have certain infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and
inherited conditions that can damage the bone marrow
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia?
Lower than normal numbers of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets cause the
signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia. Signs and symptoms can be
mild, moderate, or severe. Severe aplastic anemia can be life-threatening.
A lower than normal number of RBCs can cause tiredness; weak­
ness; shortness of breath; pale skin, gums, and nail beds; dizziness;
headaches; cold hands and feet; and chest pain. A lower than
normal number of WBCs can cause fever, frequent or severe infec­
tions, and lingering flu-like symptoms. A lower than normal number
of platelets can cause easy bleeding or bruising, petechiae (pinpoint
red spots on the skin), nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the stool,
and heavy menstrual periods.
Other signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia can include nausea
and skin rashes.
37






People who have PNH and aplastic anemia may have other signs
and symptoms, including blood in the urine, swelling or pain in the
abdomen, swelling in the legs, headaches, and jaundice (a yellowish
color of the skin or whites of the eyes).
How Is Aplastic Anemia Diagnosed?
You may have aplastic anemia if a complete blood count (CBC)
shows that you have lower than normal numbers of more than one
blood cell type (RBCs, WBCs, or platelets) in your bloodstream. If
these numbers are very low, you also may have symptoms. For
example, you may have bruising or petechiae if your platelet count
is very low.
Bone marrow tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis of aplastic
anemia. Results from these tests will confirm low numbers of RBCs,
WBCs, and platelets in the bone marrow.
Your doctor will use your medical and family histories, a physical
exam, and other tests to determine possible causes of aplastic anemia.
n



Medical and family histories. Your doctor will ask about
your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. He or she
also will want to know whether you’ve had any viral infec­
tions, been exposed to toxins or
had anemia.
chemicals, or had cancer treat-
ments. Another important
diagnostic clue is whether you
or anyone in your family has
n

at your skin

and check for

signs of

bleeding or

infection.

He or she

also may

Physical exam. During the
physical exam, your
doctor will look
Types of Anemia
38
Your Guide to Anemia












listen to your heart and lungs for any abnormal sounds and
feel your abdomen and legs to see whether they feel normal.
The physical exam findings will help your doctor learn how
severe your condition is and what may be causing it.
n Other tests. In addition to the bone marrow test, your doctor
may recommend a chest x ray, a computed tomography (CT)
scan, ultrasound imaging, liver tests, tests for viral infections,
tests for vitamin B12 and folate levels in your blood, and/or a
specialized test for PNH. These tests can tell your doctor how
severe your anemia is, what’s causing it, and whether you
have PNH. The signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia are
similar to those of other conditions and other types of anemia.
So, these tests can help your doctor rule out certain conditions
as a cause of your anemia.
How Is Aplastic Anemia Treated?
Treatments for aplastic anemia are designed to relieve your symp­
toms, limit or prevent complications, and improve your quality of
life. If you have mild or moderate aplastic anemia, you may not
need treatment if your condition isn’t getting worse. If you have
severe aplastic anemia, you’ll need treatment to prevent complica­
tions. Very severe aplastic anemia, which causes very low blood cell
counts, can be fatal and requires treatment as soon as possible.
Aplastic anemia is treated with blood transfusions, medicines, blood
and marrow stem cell transplants, and other treatments and lifestyle
changes.
Blood transfusions. Blood transfusions are a common procedure in
which you get blood through an intravenous (IV) line inserted in
one of your blood vessels. The blood you get is carefully matched to
your own blood type. Transfusions can help bring your blood cell
counts up to a normal level. They help relieve symptoms but are not
a permanent treatment.
Medicines. Your doctor may recommend medicines to treat the
cause of your anemia or help prevent or treat complications. For
example, your doctor may prescribe medicines to suppress your
immune system or stimulate your bone marrow to make RBCs. One
example of a medicine that can stimulate your bone marrow is
39
















erythropoietin therapy. Your doctor also may prescribe medicines to
prevent or treat an infection that may occur because your WBC
count is low.
Blood and marrow stem cell transplants. Blood and marrow stem
cell transplants replace damaged stem cells in your bone marrow
with healthy ones. For this procedure, high doses of chemotherapy
and possibly radiation are used to destroy your faulty stem cells.
Then, donor stem cells are put into a blood vessel through an IV tube
placed in your chest. These cells are carefully matched to your own
cell type. Once the stem cells are in your body, they travel to your
bone marrow and begin making new RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
Blood and marrow stem cell transplants generally are the best
treatment option for people who have severe aplastic anemia and
are eligible for this treatment. This type of transplant works best in
children and young adults who are in good health and have donors
with closely matching cell types.
Other treatments and lifestyle changes. Aplastic anemia also is
treated in other ways. For example, removing a known cause of
aplastic anemia may cure the condition. Examples of known causes
include high-dose radiation or chemotherapy treatment, exposure to
environmental toxins, and certain medicines.
Lifestyle changes also can help protect you from problems linked to
aplastic anemia. For example, because your RBC count is low, you
may feel tired or short of breath. Conserve your energy and don’t
overdo physical activity. Because your platelet count is low, you’re
at risk of bleeding. Avoid activities in which you might cut or injure
yourself. Because your WBC count is low, your body is less able to
fight infections. Protect yourself by washing your hands often and
avoiding crowds and people who are sick. See your doctor if you
develop a fever (a sign of infection). Talk to your doctor about
other lifestyle changes that can protect you from problems linked to
aplastic anemia.
Types of Anemia
40
Your Guide to AnemiaS H I R A H
“
I found out I had aplastic anemia in an
odd way. The day after a scuba diving
trip, I was covered with bruises that I
could not explain. I went to the doctor
and was immediately hospitalized and
given a blood transfusion. The
doctors told me I almost didn’t
have enough blood in my
body. They diagnosed me
with aplastic anemia, a blood
disorder where your body has
trouble making new blood
cells.
“Looking back, there were
little signs that I ignored—
previous bruising and
tiredness—and I now know
that I should have seen a
doctor much earlier than
I did.”
41



















Hemolytic Anemia
Normally, red blood cells (RBCs) have a lifespan of about 120 days.
At the end of that time, your body breaks them down. Then, an
organ called the spleen removes the RBCs from your bloodstream.
Your body is constantly making new RBCs to replace the ones that
die. Sometimes, RBCs are destroyed and removed from the blood­
stream before their normal lifespan is up, a process called hemolysis.
Your bone marrow can try to make up for hemolysis by increasing the
number of RBCs it makes. However, over time, your body sometimes
can’t make enough RBCs to replace the ones that are destroyed too
early. This leads to lower than normal levels of RBCs in your body.
What Is Hemolytic Anemia and What Causes It?
Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which your bone marrow can’t
make enough new RBCs to replace the ones that are destroyed too
early. There are many types of hemolytic anemia and many causes.
Hemolytic anemia can be acquired or inherited. Sometimes, the
cause isn’t known.
In acquired hemolytic anemia, your body gets a signal that something
is wrong with its RBCs even though they are normal. For example,
antibodies (proteins made by the immune system) may tell your
body’s immune system that the RBCs do not belong. In response,
your body destroys the RBCs before their usual lifespan is up.
Causes of acquired hemolytic anemia include:
n Autoimmune responses
n Physical damage to RBCs from certain conditions and factors
n Exposure to certain infectious organisms and toxins
n Reactions to certain medicines
The destruction of RBCs commonly occurs in your spleen, but it
also can happen in your bloodstream.
Inherited hemolytic anemia is related to problems with the genes
that control how your RBCs are made. This causes defects in the
outer membranes of the RBCs, enzyme deficiencies inside RBCs, or
hemoglobin disorders. The abnormal RBCs are fragile and may
break down as they move through your bloodstream. If this hap­
pens, your spleen may remove the faulty RBCs from your blood.
For more information about the various types of acquired and inherited
hemolytic anemia, see “Types of Hemolytic Anemia” on page 42.
Types of Anemia
42
Your Guide to Anemia Types of
Hemolytic Anemia
Types of Acquired Hemolytic Anemia
Type
Characteristic
Immune
hemolytic
anemia
l The immune system destroys RBCs. The three types of immune
hemolytic anemia are:

– Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). AIHA is the main
cause of hemolytic anemia. The immune system makes
antibodies (proteins) that attack the RBCs. AIHA can develop
very suddenly. Certain diseases or infections can raise the risk
for AIHA (for example, lupus, chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, other blood cancers, Epstein-Barr
virus, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia, hepatitis,
and HIV). Some AIHA antibodies become active only in warm
temperatures; others only in cold temperatures.

– Alloimmune hemolytic anemia. In this hemolytic anemia, a
person’s immune system makes antibodies against blood that
is a different type than his or her own blood. This may occur
in a blood transfusion from a donor who has a different blood
type. It also can occur during pregnancy if the fetus has a
different blood type than the mother (this condition is called
Rh incompatibility).

– Drug-induced hemolytic anemia. Some medicines (like
penicillin, acetaminophen, antimalaria medicines, and
levodopa) may cause an immune reaction that destroys RBCs.
Mechanical
hemolytic
anemia
l Hemolytic anemia develops because RBCs are physically
damaged. This damage may result from a heart-lung bypass
machine (used during open-heart surgery); an artificial heart valve
that’s not working well; an increase in body temperature due to
exposure to extreme heat or extensive burns; or preeclampsia
(very high blood pressure during pregnancy).
Paroxysmal
nocturnal
hemoglobi­
nuria (PNH)
l Abnormal stem cells in the bone marrow make blood cells with
a faulty outer membrane. This causes the body to destroy its
RBCs and make too few WBCs and platelets.
Other causes
of acquired
hemolytic
anemia
l Some infections and toxic substances can damage or destroy
RBCs, leading to hemolytic anemia. Examples include malaria,
blackwater fever, tick-borne diseases, snake venom, and toxic
chemicals.
43
Types of Inherited Hemolytic Anemia
Type
Characteristic
Sickle cell
anemia
l The body makes abnormal hemoglobin that causes red blood
cells (RBCs) to have a sickle, or “C,” shape. These sickle cells
are sticky and don’t travel easily through the blood vessels.
l Sickle cells live only about 10–20 days, and the bone marrow
can’t make new RBCs fast enough to replace the dying ones.
l In the United States, sickle cell anemia mainly affects people of
African and Hispanic descent.
l All States require sickle cell anemia screening for newborn
babies.
Thalassemias
l The body doesn’t make enough of certain types of hemoglobin,
which prevents it from making enough healthy RBCs.
l Thalassemias often affect people of Southeast Asian, Indian,
Chinese, Filipino, Mediterranean, or African descent.
Hereditary
spherocytosis
l A defect in the RBCs’ outer membranes that causes them to
have a spherical, or ball-like, shape.
l The ball-shaped RBCs have a shorter than normal lifespan.
l Hereditary spherocytosis is the most common cause of
hemolytic anemia among people of Northern European descent.
Hereditary
elliptocytosis
(ovalocytosis)
l A defect in the RBCs’ outer membranes makes them oval-
shaped and less flexible than normal. They have a shorter than
normal lifespan.
Glucose-6­
phosphate
dehydrogenase
(G6PD)
deficiency
l The RBCs are missing an enzyme called G6PD. (Enzymes are
proteins that drive chemical reactions in the body.) The missing
enzyme makes the RBCs fragile and more likely to break down.
l If the RBCs come in contact with certain substances in the
bloodstream, they rupture and die.
l Many factors, including those in certain medicines, foods (like
fava beans), and infections, can trigger the breakdown of the
RBCs.
l G6PD deficiency mostly affects men of African or
Mediterranean descent.
l Most States require G6PD deficiency screening for newborn
babies.
Pyruvate
kinase
deficiency
l The RBCs are missing an enzyme called pyruvate kinase. This
causes them to break down easily.
l Pyruvate kinase deficiency is more common among the Amish.
Types of Anemia
44
Your Guide to Anemia
Who Is At Risk for Hemolytic Anemia?
Hemolytic anemia affects people of all ages and races and both sexes.
The different types of hemolytic anemia affect various populations.
For example, some types of inherited hemolytic anemia, such as
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, are most
common in people of African or Mediterranean descent.
Some types of acquired hemolytic anemia also affect certain popula­
tions. For example, alloimmune hemolytic anemia can occur in
pregnant women and their fetuses. Mechanical hemolytic anemia
may happen in people who have artificial heart valves or who use a
heart-lung bypass machine during open-heart surgery.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia?
The signs and symptoms vary widely and depend on the type and
severity of the hemolytic anemia. Some signs and symptoms
are common to all types of anemia, such as:
n Tiredness and weakness
n Pale skin, gums, and nail beds
n Dizziness
n Shortness of breath
n Headaches
n Cold hands and feet
n Chest pain
Other signs and symptoms are specific to
hemolytic anemia; they reflect what is hap­
pening in the body as RBCs are destroyed and
the number of RBCs decreases. These signs
and symptoms include:
n Jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin or

whites of the eyes); this sign often is very

severe in hemolytic anemia

n Pain in the upper abdomen
n Reddish or brown urine
n An enlarged spleen (see “The Spleen: Your
Body’s Natural Filter” on page 45 for more
information)
n Chills
45





The Spleen:
Your Body’s Natural Filter
The spleen is a small organ that lies behind the stomach on the
left side of the abdomen. This organ filters blood and helps
fight infections. One of the spleen’s jobs is to remove red blood
cells (RBCs) when they come to the end of their lifespan. If
large numbers of RBCs are destroyed in a short period, they will
become trapped in the spleen. Over time, this can cause the
spleen to become larger than normal.
How Is Hemolytic Anemia Diagnosed?
Like other types of anemia, hemolytic anemia is diagnosed based on
your personal and family medical histories, a physical exam, and the
results of tests.
First, your doctor may ask about your symptoms and how long
you’ve had them. He or she also will review your and your family’s
medical histories and may ask whether:
n Any of your relatives have an inherited anemia, such as sickle
cell anemia, thalassemia, or G6PD deficiency
n Any of your family members have had jaundice
n You’ve recently had any illnesses or other medical conditions
n You take medicines, and which ones
n You’ve been exposed to any chemicals or toxic substances
n You have an artificial heart valve
Your answers to these questions will help indicate whether you have
hemolytic anemia and provide clues about the cause and severity of
the condition.
During the physical exam, your doctor will check for signs of
anemia, such as pale skin and fingernails, fast breathing, and rapid
heartbeats. He or she also may feel your abdomen to see whether
you have an enlarged spleen.
Types of Anemia
46
Your Guide to Anemia


Many tests are used to confirm a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia and
determine the specific type of this anemia. Often, the first test used
to diagnose anemia is a complete blood count (CBC). This test
measures many parts of your blood and looks at the number and
appearance of your blood cells. (For more information about the
CBC, see “Tests for Anemia” on page 12.) If the CBC confirms that
you have anemia, your doctor may recommend additional blood
and other tests.
Blood Tests
n A reticulocyte count. This test measures the number of young
RBCs in your blood. The results tell your doctor whether
your bone marrow is making enough healthy RBCs.
n A blood smear. This test shows the shape of your RBCs.
An abnormal shape is a sign of an inherited hemolytic
anemia; the exact shape tells the type of inherited hemolytic
anemia. For example, sphere-shaped RBCs indicate
hereditary spherocytosis.
n Coombs’ test. This test determines whether your immune
system is making antibodies to destroy your RBCs.
n Haptoglobin and bilirubin tests. When RBCs break down,
they release hemoglobin into your bloodstream. Hemoglobin
combines with a chemical called haptoglobin. A low level of
haptoglobin in the blood indicates hemolytic anemia. Hemo­
globin also breaks down into a compound called bilirubin.
High levels of bilirubin may suggest hemolytic anemia.
n Hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test shows the different
kinds of hemoglobin in your blood; it also can help identify
the type of anemia you may have.
n Test for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). This
test shows whether RBCs lack a particular protein involved
in PNH.
n Osmotic fragility. This test shows whether your RBCs are
more fragile than normal. It also can point to the type of
anemia you may have.
n Test for G6PD deficiency. A lack of G6PD enzymes in your
RBCs indicates that you have G6PD deficiency.
47

Types of Anemia L I N D A
“
I have an inherited genetic type of hemolytic
anemia—G6PD deficiency. My Italian
heritage was an important clue to figuring
out my illness, because it is an inherited
illness that is common in Sicily, where my
family came from.
“Since being diagnosed, my whole life
has changed. I follow a healthy diet,
avoiding triggers like fava beans and certain
medications.
“Staying healthy and avoiding
the foods and other
triggers can almost
totally prevent the
symptoms.”
48
Your Guide to Anemia

Other Tests
n Liver function tests. Various liver and gallbladder problems
can cause a high bilirubin level in the blood. Liver function
tests are done to find out why your bilirubin level is too high.
n Bone marrow tests. If the results of blood tests don’t clearly
show that you have hemolytic anemia, your doctor may
recommend bone marrow tests. These tests show whether
your bone marrow is making enough healthy blood cells.
How Is Hemolytic Anemia Treated?
Treatment for hemolytic anemia depends on the type of hemolytic
anemia you have and its severity. Your doctor will consider your
age, medical history, and overall health when planning your treat­
ment. You may not need treatment if your anemia is mild and isn’t
getting worse. Severe hemolytic anemia generally needs ongoing
treatment and can be fatal if not treated properly.
When planning your treatment, your doctor will have several goals
in mind:
n Reduce or stop the destruction of RBCs.

n Increase your RBC count to an

acceptable level.
n If possible, treat the under­
lying condition that’s
causing your anemia.
Treatments include blood
transfusions, medicines,
surgery and procedures, and
lifestyle changes. For more
information about these
treatments, see “Treatments
for Hemolytic Anemia” on
page 49.
49
Treatments for Hemolytic Anemia
Treatments for Acquired Hemolytic Anemia
Type
Possible Treatments
Immune hemolytic
anemia
l Corticosteroids and other medicines to suppress
the immune system.
l Removal of the spleen.
l Plasmapheresis (a procedure to remove antibodies
from the blood).
l Avoidance of cold temperatures (for example,
wear gloves, a hat, and a scarf; dress warmly in air
conditioning; keep your car warm when driving in
cold weather).
l Intravenous gammaglobulin, a medicine that may
increase the lifespan of RBCs and possibly reduce
the amount of antibodies produced.
Mechanical hemolytic
anemia
l Folic acid supplements.
l Blood transfusions.
Paroxysmal nocturnal
hemoglobinuria
l Iron and folic acid supplements.
l Eculizumab (an antibody that blocks the
destruction of RBCs in this form of anemia).
Treatments for Inherited Hemolytic Anemia
Type
Possible Treatments
Hemoglobin disorders
(sickle cell anemia and
thalassemias)
l For sickle cell anemia: Folic acid supplements
(made from the synthetic form of folate),
antibiotics to prevent infection, medicine to reduce
the number of faulty red blood cells (RBCs) in
the blood, and a medicine called hydroxyurea.
Hydroxyurea may help the body make more
healthy hemoglobin and reduce the amount of
faulty hemoglobin that leads to sickle cells.
l For thalassemias: Blood transfusions to replace
destroyed RBCs, and blood and marrow stem cell
transplants.
Disorders of the RBC
outer membrane
(hereditary spherocytosis
and hereditary
elliptocytosis)
l Folic acid supplements.
l Blood transfusions.
l Removal of the spleen (rarely).
Enzyme deficiencies
l For glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
(G6PD) deficiency: Avoidance of substances
that trigger the condition, such as fava beans,
naphthalene (a substance in mothballs), and
certain medicines.
l For pyruvate kinase deficiency: Folic acid
supplements and blood transfusions.
Types of Anemia
50
Your Guide to Anemia








Research on Anemia

For many years, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHLBI) has supported research aimed at finding the causes of blood
disorders and ways to prevent or treat them. Researchers have learned
a lot about anemia and other blood disorders through these studies.
That knowledge has led to improvements in prevention and care.
Common types of anemias are generally straightforward and easily
treated. As a result, NHLBI’s clinical research on anemias is focused
on a few specific, rarer types, including sickle cell and thalassemia.
Research on these and other blood disorders continues to be an
important priority for the NHLBI.
This effort depends on the willingness of volunteers to participate
in clinical research. If you would like to help researchers gather
information about your disorder and possible treatments, talk to
your doctor. (For more information, see “Clinical Research” below.)
Clinical Research
To fully understand a disorder and how best to diagnose and
treat it, researchers need to do clinical research with people
who have the disorder. This type of research is called clinical
research because it is often conducted in clinical settings, such
as hospitals or doctors’ offices.
l Clinical trials test new ways to diagnose, prevent, or
treat various disorders. For example, treatments (such as
medicines, medical devices, surgery, or other procedures)
for a disorder need to be tested in people who have the
disorder. A trial helps determine whether a treatment is safe
and effective in humans before it is made available for public
use. In a clinical trial, participants are randomly assigned
to groups. One group receives the new treatment being
51


tested. Other groups may receive a different treatment or
a placebo (an inactive substance resembling a drug being
tested). Comparing results from the groups gives researchers
confidence that changes in the test group are due to the new
treatment and not to other factors.
l Other types of clinical studies are done to discover the
factors, including environmental, behavioral, or genetic
factors, that cause or worsen various disorders. Researchers
may follow a group of people over time to learn what factors
contribute to becoming sick. These types of studies gave us
the important information that smoking is a risk factor for both
heart disease and lung cancer, for example.
Clinical studies and trials may be relatively brief, or they may last
for years and require many visits to the study sites. These sites
usually are university hospitals or research centers, but they can
include private doctors’ offices and community hospitals.
If you participate in clinical research, the research will be
explained to you in detail, you will be given a chance to ask
questions, and you will be asked to provide written permission.
You may not directly benefit from the results of the clinical
research you participate in, but the information gathered will
help others and will add to scientific knowledge. Taking part in
clinical research has other benefits, as well. You’ll learn more
about your disorder, you’ll have the support of a team of health
care providers, and your health will likely be monitored closely.
However, participation also can have risks, which you should
discuss with your doctor. No matter what you decide, your
regular medical care will not be affected.
If you’re thinking about participating in a clinical study, you may
have questions about the purpose of the study, the types of tests
and treatment involved, how participation will affect your daily
life, and whether any costs are involved. Your doctor may be
able to answer some of your questions and help you find clinical
studies in which you can participate. You also can visit the
following Web sites to learn about being in a study and to search
for clinical trials being done on your disorder:
l www.clinicaltrials.gov
l http://clinicalresearch.nih.gov
l www.nhlbi.nih.gov/studies/index.htm
Research on Anemia
52
Your Guide to Anemia






Tips for Preventing or
Controlling Anemia
Many types of anemia can be mild, short-term, easily treated, and
even prevented. Other types may last a lifetime, but are easily
treated. Still other anemias are severe, life-threatening conditions
that need prompt and intense treatment.
You can take action to prevent, treat, and control anemia. These
actions can give you greater energy, improve your quality of life, and
help you live a long and healthy life.
Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
You can take steps to prevent or control anemia. Here are a few
simple things you can do.
Follow a healthy diet to ensure that you get enough iron, vitamin B12,
folate, and vitamin C to make healthy blood cells. These nutrients are
found in a variety of foods that also will promote your overall health.
(See “The Basics of Healthy Eating” on page 54 for details.)
Make following a healthy diet a family
goal. Infants, young children, and teens
grow rapidly. A healthy diet
supports growth and develop­
ment and can help prevent
anemia. Have healthy foods
at home, and show your
children how to make healthy
choices when they’re away
from home. Also, help your
parents or other older rela­
tives enjoy a healthy, nutrient-
rich diet. Anemia is common
in older adults because of
chronic (ongoing) diseases,
lack of iron, and poor diet.
53

S H I R A H
“ My main lifestyle change has been to
commit to regular physical activity. My
physical therapist gave me an exercise plan
that I try to stick to every day.
“The key to living with a chronic illness is
not to let it limit you. Just because I can’t
always do something I used to do, I still look
for new ways to enjoy life.
“I’m grateful for the emotional support I get
from my husband and family in helping me
manage my condition.”
Tips for Preventing or Controlling Anemia
54
Your Guide to Anemia The Basics of
Healthy Eating





l Focus on nutrient-dense foods and beverages—vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products,
seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans and peas,
and nuts and seeds.
l Limit intake of salt, solid fats, added sugars, and refined

grains.

l Maintain a healthy weight by balancing the calories you get
from foods and beverages with the calories you use through
physical activity.
l Follow food safety guidelines when preparing and eating

foods to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Avoid substances that can cause or trigger anemia. For example,
exposure to chemicals or toxins in the environment can cause some
types of anemia. Other types of anemia are triggered by certain
foods or cold temperatures. If you have one of these types of
anemia, avoid these triggers if you can. If you have hemolytic
anemia, reduce your chances of getting an infection by washing your
hands often, avoiding people who have colds, and staying away
from crowds.
Work With Your Doctor
Visit your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms of anemia. If
you’re diagnosed with anemia, follow your doctor’s advice about
diet, supplements, medicines, and other treatment methods.
Visit your doctor regularly for checkups and ongoing care, and tell
him or her about any new or changing symptoms.
Older children and teens who have severe anemia may have an
increased risk for injury or infection. Talk with your doctor about
ways to keep them as healthy as possible and whether they need to
avoid certain activities.
55



Girls and women who have heavy menstrual periods may need
regular screenings and followup with their doctors to prevent or
control iron-deficiency anemia.
Talk To Your Family
Some types of anemia—such as pernicious anemia, Fanconi anemia,
or thalassemia—can be inherited. If you’ve been diagnosed with one
of these kinds of anemia, talk to your family members. Suggest they
visit their doctors for a checkup to see whether they also might have
anemia.
If you have children or teens who have anemia, talk to them about
how they can take an active role in their own care by learning about
their condition and making decisions with their doctor. This can
help young people feel more in control and have a more positive
outlook about their health.
A Final Thought
You can do a lot to keep yourself and your family healthy. The tips
above can help you prevent or cope with anemia and improve your
overall health and well-being. So make the choice today for a
brighter tomorrow!
Tips for Preventing or Controlling Anemia
56
Your Guide to Anemia



To Learn More

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides
information about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
of anemia and other blood diseases, as well as heart and lung
diseases and conditions and sleep disorders. Resources include
numerous publications, tools, and the NHLBI website.
NHLBI Health Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824–0105
Phone: 301–592–8573 (or dial 7–1–1 for access to free
Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS))
Email: nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov
Web site: www.nhlbi.nih.gov
NHLBI Website
The NHLBI website offers health education materials, health
assessment tools, and resources for patients, the public, and health
professionals.
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Health Topics A-Z Index
A quick and easy way to get complete and dependable information
about heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders.
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/by-alpha/
USDA ChooseMyPlate.gov
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) ChooseMyPlate.gov
Web site has information, tips, and resources to help you learn more
about healthy eating.
www.choosemyplate.gov






Discrimination Prohibited: Under provisions of
applicable public laws enacted by Congress
since 1964, no person in the United States shall,
on the grounds of race, color, national origin,
handicap, or age, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity (or,
on the basis of sex, with respect to any educa­
tion program or activity) receiving Federal finan­
cial assistance. In addition, Executive Order
11141 prohibits discrimination on the basis of
age by contractors and subcontractors in the
performance of Federal contracts, and Executive
Order 11246 states that no federally funded con­
tractor may discriminate against any employee or
applicant for employment because of race, color,
religion, sex, or national origin. Therefore, the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute must be
operated in compliance with these laws and
Executive Orders.