Anemia

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Causes

In the United States, about 35 percent of anemia in older adults is related to poor diet. About 45 percent is caused by chronic medical conditions. About 20 percent of anemia cases have no known cause.

In older adults, anemia is often caused by more than one condition at the same time.

Possible Causes of Anemia

  • Low red blood cell production due to disease or poor nutrition
  • Hereditary diseases
  • Medications
  • Alcohol dependence
  • Bleeding from polyps or tumors in the bowels
  • Kidney stones or tumors
  • Cancer
  • Surgery
  • Heart valve problems

 

Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers 

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