What is anemia?

Anemia is a common blood disorder. It occurs when you have fewer red blood cells than normal or not enough hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body.

When you have anemia, your blood can’t carry enough oxygen to your body. Without enough oxygen, your body can’t work as well as it should.

There are several different types of anemia. Each has its own cause and treatment. They include:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia
  • Anemia of folate deficiency
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Cooley's anemia (beta thalassemia)
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Anemia due to chronic inflammatory disease
  • Kidney failure associated anemia