People and risk factors for anemia
People at risk
- The women having heavy periods.
- The pregnant women or who are breastfeeding, as they are more at risk of nutritional deficiencies.
- People whoseheredity predisposes them to anemia.
- People with chronic disease, an autoimmune disease or trouble gastro-intestinal (may cause bleeding or interfere with nutrient absorption).
- The elderly, because the absorption of vitamins may be compromised.
- People exposed to nuclear radiation or who have received treatment for radiotherapy against cancer.
- People with severe viral infection, such as hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Risk factors
- A deficient diet iron, vitamin B9 (folic acid) or vitamin B12. Vegans are more at risk of a lack of vitamin B12 and iron because they do not consume animal protein.
- THEalcoholism.
- The consumption of some pharmaceuticals. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners can cause internal bleeding.
Other drugs can interfere with the absorption or metabolism offolic acid. Examples include Dilantin®, an anticonvulsant, and methotrexate, an immunosuppressant. They can cause folic acid deficiency anemia when taken long term. The risk is increased in people with low folic acid stores. As this interaction is well known, people who need to take this type of medication are also prescribed folic acid supplements.
- Exposure to certain chemical products, especially lead.