Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Anemia is characterized by low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood). Among the most common types of anemia are:

1. Iron-deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when too few red blood cells or the cells do not contain enough hemoglobin. Iron deficiency can result from a lack of dietary iron or blood loss. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia may include fatigue and weakness and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Anemia can also be caused by not eating enough meat.

2. Folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency anemia

Vitamin deficiency anemia is another type of anemia resulting from dietary shortages, usually related to inadequate fresh produce or unprocessed foods. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency anemia deficiency may include diarrhea, irritability, and forgetfulness. Folic acid deficiency anemia can occur in pregnant women if their diet doesn’t adequately provide for the needs of both herself and her growing baby.

3. Aplastic anemia

With this type of anemia, bone marrow stem cells are destroyed, resulting in fewer red blood cells being produced by the body. This type of anemia is usually due to exposure to radiation, toxins, cancer drugs, or certain infections. Symptoms may include tiredness and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding and risk for infection.

4. Sickle cell disease

This anemia is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become abnormally shaped (sickled), blocking blood flow. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. People who are heterozygous for sickle cell are carriers of this genetic trait, whereas those who are homozygous will have the disease. Symptoms usually begin during early childhood or adolescence; they include fatigue, jaundice, and bone pain.

5. Sideroblastic anemia

This type refers to a group of diseases that affect the production of red blood cells. The most common form of Sideroblastic anemia results from low iron levels in the body, especially in the liver, bone marrow, and sometimes the blood. Symptoms of Sideroblastic anemia may include fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.

6. Erythropoietin-resistant anemia

This type of anemia is characterized by a deficiency in the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. In most cases, this form of anemia is associated with overwhelming infection or inflammation that can damage bone marrow and prevent it from producing new red blood cells. Symptoms may include fatigue and shortness of breath even when a person does not have any other health problems.

7. Anemias are associated with bone marrow disease

Anemias are associated with bone marrow disease are diseases in which the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. Several different types of bone marrow disease can affect red blood cell production. These include but aren’t limited to aplastic anemia, leukemia, and other hematological neoplasms that affect blood cell production. Symptoms associated with the above anemias may include fatigue, lack of energy, shortness of breath, pale skin, and a loss of appetite.

The key to preventing anemia (and similar diseases) is proper diet management at every stage of life; supplementation with vitamins or minerals can help if necessary, but it is essential not to overdo it on supplements because excess supplements can be harmful.