Other signs that you might be lacking in iron include having brittle or spoon-shaped nails and possible hair loss.

Unintended movement in the lower leg ( restless legs syndrome).Īnemia can have other affects on your body in addition to feeling tired or cold.

Pale skin, dry skin, or easily bruised skin.

Several signs and symptoms occur in all types of anemia, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and feeling cold. What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?

People on blood thinners: These medications include drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix®), warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin products, apixaban (Eliquis®), betrixaban (BevyxXa®), dabigatran (Pradaxa®), edoxaban (Savaysa®) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®).

People over 65: People over 65 are more likely to have iron-poor diets and certain chronic diseases.

Iron from solid food is not as easily taken up by the body.

Infants: Infants may get less iron when they are weaned from breast milk or formula to solid food.

Children, ages 1 to 2: The body needs more iron during growth spurts.

This is especially true if you have heavy periods or a condition like fibroids.

Women: Blood loss during monthly periods and childbirth can lead to anemia.

Who is most likely to develop anemia?Īnyone can develop anemia, although the following groups have a higher risk: An estimated three million Americans have the disorder. Within the U.S., anemia is the most common blood condition. It is especially common in countries with few resources, but it also affects many people in the industrialized world. How common is anemia?Īnemia affects more than two billion people globally, which is more than 30% of the total population. Some types of anemia that you may have heard of include iron-deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia.

Your body breaks down red blood cells too quickly.

Your body does not make enough red blood cells.

Your body makes hemoglobin, but the hemoglobin doesn't work correctly.

Your body cannot make enough hemoglobin ( low hemoglobin).

Red blood cell levels are low due to one of the following reasons:

There are several different types of anemia, but each of them causes the number of red blood cells in circulation to drop. Some people find out they are low in iron when they go to donate blood. This is due to your organs not receiving the oxygen they need to do their jobs. When someone develops anemia, they are said to be 'anemic.' Being anemic might mean that you feel more tired or cold than you usually do, or if your skin seems too pale. The cells travel with iron and hemoglobin, which is a protein that helps carry oxygen through the bloodstream to your organs all through the body. Anemia happens when you do not have enough red blood cells.

Hearts of iron tips