The 3 Most Common Types Of Anemia

The different types of anemia appear due to nutritional deficiency, which is why it is enough to change our diet or include foods in it recommended to solve this problem.

Anemia is not a disease in itself, as it is mainly due to nutritional deficiency. There are several types of anemia.

Anemia can also be a symptom of other serious illnesses, so recognizing the most common symptoms of anemia can be essential.

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells is so low that the amount of oxygen they carry is not enough to supply the whole body. Consequence of this: fatigue and a feeling of weakness are felt.

You can take your breath away just by climbing the stairs … Two days of rest will probably not be enough for you to regain your strength. If this describes your situation, see your doctor. It is important to take action as soon as possible.

As we told you above, there are several types of anemia. Some rare types are the cause of improper functioning of the body. For example: a premature destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia), an inherited structural defect of red blood cells (sickle cell anemia), or inability to create or use hemoglobin (sideroblastic anemia).

The most common forms of anemia, however, are the result of nutritional deficiency. It is then possible to remedy it  with a good diet. These forms are as follows.

The most common types of anemia: iron deficiency anemia

When the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, it is called iron deficiency anemia. If there is not enough hemoglobin production, the body tissues are not getting enough oxygen to nourish themselves.

Children under the age of three and women during the period leading up to menopause are the most likely to suffer from this anemia. Most children simply don’t get enough iron with their meals. As for women, heavy periods can cause iron deficiency anemia.

Pregnant women can also be affected by anemia. During pregnancy. the blood volume is tripled, thus also increasing the need for iron.

Contrary to popular belief, older people do not have a higher risk of suffering from iron deficiency anemia.

The most common types of anemia: vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Unlike iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia results in the production of large red blood cells. This makes it difficult for the red cells to be absorbed into the veins and vessels, since the effect is the same as trying to suck a marble through a straw.

Red blood cells affected by vitamin B12 deficiency also tend to die off faster. Most people get at least the amount of vitamin B12 they need by following a balanced diet.

Older people have a higher risk of suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency. They are more likely to have conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.

This anemia is diagnosed in 1 in 100 people over the age of 60.

Surgical removal of parts of the stomach or small intestine, atrophic gastritis or certain disorders such as Crohn’s disease can disrupt the functions of the body that allow this vitamin to be absorbed.

But the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is the lack of a protein called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is normally secreted by the stomach and its job is to facilitate the absorption of vitamin B12.

Without the intrinsic factor, the vitamin B12 you consume will only float like a residue. In some people, a genetic defect may be the cause of this intrinsic factor not being produced. In others, there may be an autoimmune reaction that causes the body to mistakenly attack the cells in the stomach that produce this protein.

A vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a lack of intrinsic factor is called pernicious anemia. 

The most common types of anemia: folic acid deficiency anemia

A deficiency of folic acid produces large red blood cells, as does vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. One of the most common causes is simply not getting enough of this nutrient.

The body does not store folic acid for long periods of time like with other nutrients. This is why we can easily suffer from folic acid deficiency.

Pregnant women have a higher risk of suffering from this type of anemia due to the fact that during pregnancy the need for folic acid is increased by two thirds.

Consuming the right amount of folic acid during pregnancy is important. This helps to avoid possible malformations of the fetal spine.