What is Anemia?
The College of Family Physicians of Canada provides the following: Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. All parts of your body need oxygen. Anemia can starve your body of the oxygen it needs to survive.
Anemia may be caused by low levels of iron or vitamins in your blood. Iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin. Low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid may cause anemia as they are used to produce red blood cells. Sufficient amounts of vitamin C are important as they help the body to absorb iron from the diet.
Symptoms of Anemia
- Often, no symptoms
- Paleness
- Feeling tired
- More shortness of breath during exercise
- Fast heartbeat
- Symptoms usually come on slowly so that you feel no sudden change in your energy level
If you have cancer, you may develop anemia because of the cancer itself or the treatment you are receiving.
Read more about how cancer can cause anemia.