Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by decreased red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and oxygen carrying capacity. These reductions hinder the transport of oxygen to the body's cells, causing symptoms like fatigue. The condition is often due to inadequate dietary iron, poor iron absorption, or chronic blood loss.
Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin levels, and the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. The reduced hemoglobin content results in less oxygen being transported to the body's cells, leading to symptoms like weakness and fatigue. This condition can arise from a lack of iron in the diet, inability to absorb iron, or chronic bleeding, and is particularly common in children, teens, and vegetarians.
Anemia affects the red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to various parts of the body. A reduction in their number or hemoglobin content significantly impacts the amount of oxygen that is delivered to the body's tissues, thus affecting overall health and leading to the common symptoms associated with anemia.