Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the level of hemoglobin they contain is lower than normal.
Hemoglobin is used to transport oxygen and when red blood cells are present in too few quantities or are abnormal, or when there is not enough hemoglobin, the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to the tissues of the body will be reduced.
This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath, among others.
The optimal hemoglobin level to meet physiological needs varies with age, sex, altitude of residence, smoking habits and pregnancy status.
The most common causes of anemia are nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency although folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A deficiencies are also important causes; haemoglobinopathies; and infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV infection and parasitosis.
Anemia is a real global public health problem that particularly affects young children and pregnant women.
The WHO estimates that 42% of children under five and 40% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic.
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