Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough
healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body
tissues. Other types of anemia include: Although many parts of
the body help make red blood cells, most of the work is done in
the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of
bones that helps form blood cells. Healthy red blood cells last
between 90 and 120 days. Parts of your body then remove old
blood cells. A hormone called erythropoietin made in your
kidneys signals your bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood
cells. It gives red blood cells their red color. People with
anemia do not have enough hemoglobin. The body needs certain
vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to make enough red blood
cells. Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are three of the most
important ones. The body may not have enough of these nutrients
because: Possible causes of anemia include: You may have no
symptoms if the anemia is mild. If