What Causes It? - Anemia

Anemia may have the following causes.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, or other vitamin deficiencies

Certain chronic conditions

Gastrointestinal blood loss (caused by ulcers, cancer, parasites)

Genitourinary blood loss (such as from heavy menstruation)

Excessive blood loss (after surgery or regular blood donations)

Excessive alcohol or drug use

Malabsorption syndromes (for example, celiac disease)

Congenital diseases (for example, sickle-cell anemia)

Malnutrition