Anaemia occurs when the amount of haemoglobin, a protein located within the red blood cells (erythrocytes), decreases which causes health problems.
Causes. Many factors can produce it. The three main mechanisms that produce it are: destruction of red blood cells, blood loss (haemorrhage) and inadequate production of red blood cells.
Risk factors. Among many other causes, anaemia can result from inherited disorders, nutritional problems (such as iron or vitamin deficiency), infections, some cancers and exposure to drugs or toxins.
Treatment depends on the type of anaemia.