Blood anaemia

Anaemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Iron deficiency anaemia

A common type of anaemia caused by insufficient iron, leading to reduced hemoglobin production.

Vitamin B12

An essential vitamin that plays a key role in the production of red blood cells and is absorbed in the ileum with the help of intrinsic factor.

Folate (Folic acid)

A water-soluble vitamin (B9) critical for DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.

Pernicious anaemia

A type of vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia caused by the inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to the lack of intrinsic factor.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells in the body.

Intrinsic factor

A protein produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Pernicious anaemia

A type of anaemia characterized by the presence of larger-than-normal red blood cells, due to vitamin B12 malabsorption. It can lead to neurological issues if left untreated.

Iron cycle

The physiological process by which absorbed iron is transported, utilized, and stored in the body.

Hypersegmented neutrophils

Neutrophils with more than the normal number of lobes in their nuclei, typically found in megaloblastic anaemia.

Serum ferritin

A blood test that measures the amount of stored iron in the body.

Reticulocyte count

A measure of the number of young red blood cells in the blood, used to assess bone marrow function.

Transferrin

A protein that binds and transports iron in the bloodstream.

Megaloblastic anemia

A type of anemia characterized by the presence of megaloblasts in the bone marrow due to impaired DNA synthesis.

EPO (Erythropoietin)

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Aplasia

A failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate numbers of blood cells, leading to anaemia.

Iron absorption

The process by which the body takes in iron from dietary sources, which requires an acidic environment and is influenced by the presence of vitamin C.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

A condition leading to anaemia and neurological issues due to a lack of vitamin B12 intake or absorption.

Folate deficiency

A condition due to insufficient folate intake or absorption, causing anemia and other health issues.