Anemia is characterized by a deficiency and/or dysfunction in red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen to all tissues in the body. This condition can have multiple acute and chronic effects, including but not limited to weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath with physical exertion, loss of appetite, menstrual problems, and heart failure. Anemia comes in many forms because of its many causes, which are broadly grouped into three categories: inadequate RBC production, blood loss, and RBC destruction.

Inadequate RBC Production

Like white blood cells and platelets, RBCs are produced in the bone marrow. RBCs also require certain nutrients for normal development. Therefore, anemia due to inadequate RBC production can occur with certain nutritional deficiencies and/or disrupted bone marrow.