Anemia is a lack of red blood cells, which can lead to a lack of oxygen-carrying ability, causing unusual tiredness. The deficiency occurs either through the reduced production or an increased loss of red blood cells. These cells are manufactured in the bone marrow and have a life expectancy of approximately four months. To produce red blood cells, the body needs iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. If there is a lack of one or more of these ingredients, anemia will develop.
Red blood cells are the cells that circulate in the blood plasma (fluid) and give blood its red color. Through its pumping action, the heart propels the blood around the body through the arteries. The red blood cells obtain oxygen in the lungs and carry it to all the body's cells. The cells use the oxygen to fuel the combustion (burning) of sugar and fat, which produces the body's energy. During this process, called oxidation, carbon dioxide is created as a waste product. It binds itself to the red blood cells that have delivered their load of oxygen. The carbon dioxide is then transported via the blood in the veins back to the lungs where it is exchanged for fresh oxygen by breathing.
