Risk of Anemia

There are a number of conditions that can increase your risk of anemia.

• Diet low in iron, vitamins, minerals

• Chronic diseases such as kidney disease, gastritis, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases, thyroid disease, and heart failure

• Blood loss during surgery, or injury, excessive blood draws, heavy menstrual periods

• Family history of inherited anemia (eg, sickle cell or thalassemia)

• Inability to absorb iron caused by intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or gastric bypass surgery

• Adult 65 years of age and older

• Woman of child-bearing age

• Infant under 2 years old