7 Surprising Causes of Anemia You May Not Know About

Explore seven lesser-known causes of anemia, from parasitic infections to dietary diversity, and learn how to effectively manage this common condition.

Anemia is a disease that affects millions of people around the world, with women being particularly vulnerable. Anemia, characterized by fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness and rapid heartbeat, occurs when the number of red blood cells in the body decreases, resulting in insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. The best known cause of anemia is iron deficiency, but many other lesser known causes contribute to this widespread condition.

Understanding the different causes of anemia is critical as it allows for more targeted interventions that can help control and even reverse the disease in many cases. Below we look at some of the lesser known causes of anemia that may surprise you.

1. Parasitic infections:
Parasitic infections such as malaria, ascariasis (roundworm infection) and hookworm (hookworm infection) are known to cause low iron levels in the body. These parasites feed on the host’s blood, and their presence can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn affects the body’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. In areas where parasitic infections are common, this may be a major contributing factor to anemia.

2. Frequent pregnancy:
Women who are pregnant frequently may be at increased risk of developing anemia. Pregnancy places significant demands on the body, requiring additional iron, vitamins and nutrients to support both the fetus and the mother’s increased blood volume. When pregnancies occur close together, especially when blood is lost during childbirth, the body may have difficulty replenishing iron stores, leading to anemia.

3. Alcohol abuse:
Excessive alcohol consumption is another often overlooked cause of anemia. Alcohol can impair the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells and cause red blood cells to die prematurely. Chronic alcohol consumption can also affect the digestive system, reducing the absorption of vital nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12, which are critical for the production of red blood cells.

4. Excessive menstrual bleeding:
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, can lead to significant blood loss each month, which over time leads to iron deficiency anemia. This may be caused by hormonal imbalances or uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps. Women with heavy periods may need to closely monitor their iron levels, and in some cases may require medical intervention to treat the underlying cause.

5. Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency:
Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. A deficiency of any of these vitamins can lead to anemia because the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells or may produce large, irregularly shaped cells that cannot efficiently carry oxygen. Vegetarians and vegans, who may have limited sources of vitamin B12, and older adults are at higher risk of developing this deficiency.

6. Lack of variety in the diet:
A monotonous diet high in processed foods and caffeine can also contribute to the development of anemia. Processed foods often lack essential nutrients needed to produce red blood cells, and caffeine can suppress the body’s ability to absorb iron. To prevent anemia, it is important to diversify your diet with both heme (animal) and non-heme (plant) sources of iron. Heme iron is found in beef, chicken and turkey, while non-heme iron is found in lentils, spinach, beans and fortified cereals.

7. Exposure to pollution and chronic inflammation:
Environmental factors such as air pollution may play a role in the development of anemia. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which is prevalent in polluted urban environments, can increase systemic inflammation and reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. Long-term exposure to pollution can also affect the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Chronic inflammation caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can further worsen the condition.

Anemia is often thought of as a simple iron deficiency, but as we have learned, there are many underlying causes that can contribute to this condition. Whether it’s a hidden infection, a nutritional deficiency, or an environmental factor, understanding these lesser-known causes can help people take proactive steps to manage their health. If you suspect you have anemia or are at risk, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Anemia can be common, but it can be treated with the right intervention.

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