Function

• Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, including your organs and muscles. If you are not getting enough oxygen, it can have a serious affect on your body.
  
  

Effects

• Not getting enough oxygen can result in a lack of energy, shortness of breath, trouble concentrating, pale skin, fast heartbeat and depression. Depression may not be a direct result of anemia, but rather an indirect result due to how tired and worn out the person may feel.
  
  

Considerations

• Anemia is caused by a lack of nutrients and can result from low amounts of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. This lack of nutrients can happen because a person is not getting enough into their body or because the body is not absorbing them properly.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• If you have an iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, you may be able to regain healthy levels by taking supplements and eating a diet rich in the nutrient you are lacking. You will also need to pay attention to what elements help or hinder the absorption of these minerals.
  
  

Warning

• Although anemia can cause a lack of energy and depression, it does not necessarily mean that you are anemic because you are experiencing these symptoms. You should make an appointment with you doctor to get your levels tested before you begin taking any supplements.