Anaemia is when the body has too few red blood cells, or when those cells can’t carry enough oxygen, to meet its needs.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide.
Other causes include deficiencies of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A, chronic inflammation, parasitic infections and inherited disorders.
Who is affected?
Anaemia affects 1.6 billion people globally – 25% of the world’s population. It is more common in women, particularly during and after pregnancy and in those with heavy periods.
It is also more common in people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, in athletes, and in people with cancer, heart or kidney disease, or bowel conditions.
