Anemia is defined as the condition of not having enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, and there are many, many forms of it. Some people, like those suffering from conditions like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, are anemic from birth; their bodies genetically inherit difficulty producing red blood cells or specific parts of red blood cells.
But the greatest portion of the approximately 3.5 million Americans suffering from anemia become anemic over time through not consuming enough iron or vitamin B12, both of which, along with folate, are necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. Read on for the symptoms of anemia you need to know about.
2Strange craving
According to Westchester Health, people who suffer from anemia “may develop a syndrome called pica,” which leads to strange cravings for items such as dirt, ice, paper or clay. Pica tends to show up in children more often than adults but can also occur during pregnancy.
