IntroductionAnemia is a condition in which you do not have enough healthy erythrocytes (red blood cells) to supply oxygen to all the tissues in the body. Because this disorder often goes undiagnosed, it is difficult to determine the exact number of people who suffer from anemia. However, according to Health & Wellness, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) estimates that approximately 3 million Americans suffer from anemia; and some other sources estimate that 4% of men and 8% of women suffer from mild anemia. The prevalence of anemia is higher in women than in men aged seventy-five years or younger. Hemoglobin is a protein contained in red blood cells that has an iron-containing heme half. Each heme group combines with four oxygen molecules within the lungs to transport and deliver oxygen to the rest of the body's cells. The decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood means a decrease in hemoglobin and therefore a decrease in iron levels. Iron deficiency impairs the transport of oxygen to the body's cells, leading to an unhealthy body. Anemia develops when there are not enough red blood cells. This could happen if: Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells. Additionally, bleeding causes loss of blood cells and destruction of red blood cells. Red blood cells are regularly produced from iron, vitamin B-12, folate, and some other nutrients in foods. More than 400 types of anemia have been identified, and most are rarely encountered. The most common types of anemia include iron deficiency anemia, caused by a lack of iron in the body and; Vitamin deficiency anemia, caused by a deficiency of folate and vitamin B-12 in the body. Anemia or a chronic disease caused by HIV/AIDS, cancer, or arthritis can interfere with the production of red blood cells.......middle of paper...this disease has a poor prognosis. Ultimately, hemolytic anemia is treated by removing its cause. Works Cited Wilson, Jennifer F., PhD Rebecca J. Frey, and PhD Jacqueline L. Longe. "Anaemia." Collin College Library. Fitness and Wellness Resource Center. Network. June 24, 2011. "Anemia Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatments by EMedicineHealth.com." Anemia. Ed. Melissa Conard Stoppler. Emedicinehealth. Network. June 24, 2011. .Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Anemia - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. Network. 24 June 2011. "Anemia, severe anemia, lack of hemoglobin". National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Network. June 24 2011. .