Today I saw someone struggling with anemia due to chronic inflammation. It was a powerful reminder that anemia isn’t just about low iron or a vitamin deficiency. There are many different kinds of anemia, and each tells a unique story about what’s happening inside the body.

The 3 Big Categories of Anemia

Although there are dozens of types, nearly every case of anemia fits into one of three broad categories:

1. Too little production of red blood cells

• Causes: iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, bone marrow problems, or chronic illness.

2. Too much destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis)

• Causes: autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, enzyme deficiencies such as G6PD, or mechanical damage (like from artificial heart valves).

3. Blood loss

• Causes: heavy menstrual bleeding, ulcers, chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, or major trauma.

Understanding which mechanism is at play is the first step toward solving the problem.

Common Types of Anemia

• Iron deficiency anemia – the most common worldwide (microcytic anemia). Iron is needed to build hemoglobin, and without it, red cells are smaller than normal.
• Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia – causes large, fragile red cells (macrocytic anemia) and can cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling and other symptoms.
• Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia – inherited conditions that alter red blood cell shape or hemoglobin production.
• Aplastic anemia – when the bone marrow fails to produce enough new cells.
• Hemolytic anemias – where red cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced.
• Anemia of chronic disease or inflammation – often overlooked, but extremely important.

A Closer Look: Anemia of Chronic Inflammation

The patient I saw today had anemia of chronic inflammation. Their iron was low, and so was their saturation and their transferrin, but their ferritin was sky-high, and their red blood cell size and volume was normal. This is a classic pattern that can happen because the body, in response to ongoing inflammation, locks away, or sequesters, iron.

Unfortunately, this also means your own red blood cells can’t get enough iron, even when there’s plenty stored. The result is fatigue, low energy, and a poor quality of life — despite ferritin levels that suggest “too much iron.”

This type of anemia is more common in people with autoimmune conditions, chronic infections, kidney disease, or cancer. Unlike iron deficiency, giving more iron doesn’t usually solve the problem. The key is to treat the underlying disease or inflammation, which will improve how the body handles iron.

Final Thoughts

Anemia is not just about numbers on a lab report. It’s about your energy, vitality, and the ability to live fully. When I see someone with anemia, it’s a reminder that our immune system, gut health, and inflammatory pathways all tie together.

If you’ve been told you’re anemic, ask the deeper questions. And most importantly, get to the root cause.

Because solving anemia isn’t just about raising your blood count — it’s about restoring your life.

Thank you watching. If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more valuable information about your health.

And remember to take good care of your body. It’s the only place that you have to live!

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