GLOSSARY

Anaemia is a reduced capacity of the blood to carry oxygen, usually defined as a haemoglobin concentration or red cell count below normal: below 13 grams per decilitre in men and 12 in non-pregnant women (WHO criteria).

Symptoms

Fatigue, weakness, pallor, breathlessness on exertion, palpitations, dizziness, headache, and reduced exercise tolerance; in iron deficiency, sometimes hair loss, brittle nails, and pica (craving ice or soil).

Main Types

• Iron-deficiency anaemia: the most common type worldwide; small, pale red cells.
• Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia: large (macrocytic) cells; B12 deficiency is more common in vegans.
• Anaemia of chronic (inflammatory) disease.
• Haemolytic anaemia: premature destruction of red cells.
• Inherited anaemias: such as thalassaemia (common in Iran and the Mediterranean region) and sickle cell anaemia.

Stages of Iron Deficiency