Anaemia is a condition that occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells or concentration of haemoglobin.
There are several different types of anaemia, and each one has a different cause. The most common form of the condition is iron-deficiency anaemia. This is where your body lacks enough iron to keep the red blood cells functioning properly.
Iron is a key component of haemoglobin, the substance that helps to store and carry the oxygen in red blood cells. If there is a lack of iron in your blood, your organs and tissues will not get as much oxygen as they usually do.
Other forms of anaemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folate in your body. This article concentrates on iron-deficiency anaemia.
Treatment for iron-deficiency anaemia is usually very effective, and the condition rarely causes any serious complications. Your blood may need to be monitored every few months after your diagnosis to check that you are responding to treatment and that your iron levels have returned to normal.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid part of blood, which holds other blood cells together.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Oxygen
Oxygen is an odourless, colourless gas that makes up about 20% of the air we breathe.
Bone marrow
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue in the centre of bones that produces blood cells.
Tissues
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
Deficiency
If you have a deficiency it means you are lacking in a particular substance needed by the body.
