Anemia

Anemia (American English) or anaemia (Commonwealth English), which literally means "without blood," is a deficiency of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin. This results in a reduced ability of blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues. Hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells) has to be present to ensure adequate oxygenation of all body tissues and organs.

References

• Breymann, Christian. ?Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Pregnancy: Modern Aspects of Diagnosis and Therapy.? Blood Cells, Molecules, and Diseases. Nov/Dec: 2002.
• Conrad, Marcel E. ?Iron Deficiency Anemia.? EMedicine. 8 Dec. 2004.
• Raymond, Tina. ?Anemia: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.? Midwifery Today. 31 May 1999.