What are the causes of moderate anemia?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
In general, moderate anemia may be caused by factors such as malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, chronic blood loss, genetic disorders, and kidney disease. The main cause is inadequate nutrient intake; for example, deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid can lead to the development of anemia. Patients are advised to consume fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other foods daily to maintain a balanced intake of trace elements.
In general, moderate anemia may be caused by factors such as malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, chronic blood loss, genetic disorders, and kidney disease. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Malnutrition
The main cause is inadequate nutrient intake. Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid can lead to the development of anemia. It is recommended that patients consume fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, eggs, and dairy products daily to maintain a balanced intake of trace elements.
2. Iron Deficiency Anemia
This is the most common type of anemia encountered clinically. Insufficient iron intake, impaired iron absorption, or chronic blood loss can all lead to iron deficiency anemia. Patients are advised to eat more iron-rich foods such as animal liver, beef, legumes, red dates, goji berries, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms.
3. Chronic Blood Loss
This is one of the most common causes of moderate anemia. Blood loss may occur in areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, uterus, nose, and gums, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most frequent. Chronic blood loss leads to insufficient iron stores in the body, thereby affecting hematopoietic function. Patients can effectively replenish the iron needed by consuming iron-rich foods such as animal liver, lean meat, and egg yolks, which helps promote hemoglobin synthesis and alleviate symptoms.
4. Genetic Disorders
Conditions such as thalassemia impair the body's ability to produce hemoglobin normally, leading to anemia. Patients may appropriately consume blood-nourishing foods such as goji berries, longan, donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao), and red dates. Including these foods in the diet can assist in improving symptoms like pallor and fatigue caused by hereditary anemia.
5. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can reduce the production of erythropoietin, resulting in decreased red blood cell production. Moreover, the red blood cells produced may not function properly, leading to anemia. In daily life, patients can also moderately consume iron-rich foods such as beef, spinach, pork liver, pig blood, and kelp to help supplement iron levels.
In addition, conditions such as bone marrow suppression may also cause anemia. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical attention to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
