Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Anaemia refers to a haemoglobin concentration or number of red blood cells below a specified cut-off point. This cut off point is influenced by factors such as age, gender or even geological locations.
  • Haemoglobin is an important protein contained in red blood cells that function to transport oxygen to organs. A lack of this results in decreased oxygen supply to organs.
  • Anaemia itself is not a disease, but an abnormal state that can be caused by a wide spectrum of medical conditions, diseases or medications.
  • Low iron levels (iron deficiency) is the most common cause of anaemia.

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Reviewed on: 26-09-2022