Anemia causes

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Major Causes of Anemia: Iron Deficiency, Nutritional Deficiencies, and Blood Loss

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia worldwide, especially in both developing and developed countries. In developing regions, malnutrition and infections are significant contributors, while in developed countries, dietary iron deficiency is more prevalent Teressa2019Brittenham2023Hess2023+3 MORE. Other important nutritional deficiencies that can lead to anemia include a lack of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A, and riboflavin Hess2023Chaparro2019Milman2011+2 MORE. Blood loss, whether from acute hemorrhage, chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, menstruation, or gynecological and obstetric conditions, is also a major cause of anemia Hess2023Dhiman2025.

Infections, Inflammation, and Chronic Diseases as Anemia Causes

Infections such as malaria, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and schistosomiasis are significant causes of anemia, particularly in low- and middle-income countries Brittenham2023Hess2023Chaparro2019. Chronic inflammatory diseases and chronic kidney disease can also lead to anemia by reducing red blood cell production or increasing their destruction Hess2023Chaparro2019Randi2020. Inflammation can cause "functional iron deficiency," where iron stores are adequate but not available for red blood cell production due to the effects of infection or inflammation Brittenham2023Williams2023.

Genetic and Inherited Disorders Leading to Anemia

Genetic conditions, such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other inherited red blood cell disorders, are important causes of anemia in certain populations, especially in regions where these genetic traits are more common Brittenham2023Hess2023Chaparro2019+2 MORE. The prevalence and impact of these disorders vary by geographic location and population group.

Multifactorial and Socioeconomic Contributors

Many individuals, especially in low- and middle-income countries, experience anemia due to a combination of causes, including nutritional deficiencies, infections, chronic diseases, and genetic factors Hess2023Chaparro2019Williams2023. Socioeconomic status is closely linked to anemia risk, as poverty increases exposure to malnutrition, infections, and limited access to healthcare Hess2023Chaparro2019.

Population Groups Most at Risk

Young children, adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to anemia due to higher nutritional needs, menstruation, pregnancy, and increased risk of infections Teressa2019Hess2023Milman2011+1 MORE. Hospitalized and elderly patients are also at increased risk, often due to multiple underlying health conditions and chronic diseases .

Conclusion

Anemia is a complex condition with multiple overlapping causes, including iron and other nutritional deficiencies, blood loss, infections, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders. The specific causes and their prevalence vary by region, population group, and socioeconomic status. Addressing anemia effectively requires understanding these diverse causes and implementing targeted interventions for the most at-risk groups Teressa2019Brittenham2023Hess2023+7 MORE.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

A Review on Major Causes of Anemia and its Prevention Mechanism

Anemia is primarily caused by malnutrition, helminthic infections, and iron deficiency in food, with the simplest prevention mechanism being a nutritious diet.

2019·

6citations

·Hirpasa Teressa

Biology of Anemia: A Public Health Perspective

Recent advances in understanding anemia's causes, interactions, and interactions have improved our understanding of infections, inflammation, and genetic conditions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2023·

85citations

·Gary M. Brittenham et al.

The Journal of nutrition·

DOI

Accelerating action to reduce anemia: Review of causes and risk factors and related data needs

Targeted and effective action is needed to prevent anemia, with targeted strategies focusing on understanding causes and risk factors for vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries.

Literature Review

2023·

66citations

·S. Hess et al.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·

DOI

Anemia epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology in low- and middle-income countries

Anemia's complex etiology, influenced by factors such as nutritional deficiencies, infection/inflammation, and genetic hemoglobin disorders, requires further research for effective interventions and monitoring.

Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2019·

921citations

·Camila Chaparro et al.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·

DOI

Anemia—still a major health problem in many parts of the world!

Anemia is a major global health issue, primarily caused by iron deficiency, and addressing it through iron fortification and supplements can improve health and working capacity in millions of people.

Highly Cited

2011·

328citations

·N. Milman

Annals of Hematology·

DOI

Improving Anemia Assessment in Clinical and Public Health Settings

This paper introduces a framework for assessing anemia and its causes, recognizing its multifaceted nature and guiding data collection in population surveys.

2023·

44citations

·Anne M. Williams et al.

The Journal of nutrition·

DOI

Global, Regional, and National Prevalence of Anemia and Its Causes in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990–2019

Anemia prevalence decreased globally from 1990 to 2019, but the burden remains high in regions like Western Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central Sub-Saharan Africa, with dietary iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, and beta-thalassemia trait being the top causes.

Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2020·

174citations

·W. Gardner et al.

Current Developments in Nutrition·

DOI

Anemias

Anemia is a common clinical condition caused by a deficit of functional red blood cells, with radiographs and MRI being standard initial imaging studies.

2019·

37citations

·K. Hoover

Musculoskeletal Imaging Volume 2·

DOI

The Review Article on Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which blood's oxygen transporting capacity is reduced, often caused by blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, or faulty blood formation.

2025·

0citations

·R. Dhiman

INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT·

DOI

Prevalence and Causes of Anemia in Hospitalized Patients: Impact on Diseases Outcome

Anemia is common in hospitalized patients, often due to multiple diseases, and its treatment can improve outcomes and reduce re-admissions and deaths in older patients.

Rigorous Journal

2020·

60citations

·M. Randi et al.

Journal of Clinical Medicine·

DOI

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