Anemia is the lack of hemoglobin in blood.
The blood in humans and animals performs many functions. One of the most important is to carry oxygen to different parts of the body to provide cells with energy to perform their activities. Oxygen is carried by a type of blood cell called a red blood cell (RBC). In an RBC, oxygen is carried by joining it with a molecule called hemoglobin. Therefore anemia (or the lack of hemoglobin) makes oxygen transport difficult and the body suffers from a lack of energy.
Anemia can be caused by hundreds of factors. These may be genetic causes, lack of nutrition, infections, long-standing diseases (including cancer and kidney disease) and many others. Sometimes, drugs used for treatment of diseases, especially cancer, can also cause anemia. Your doctor can track the cause of anemia and give appropriate advice regarding its treatment.
