Anemias
A misunderstood pathology even by the most esteemed public health authorities.
Embedded Files
There are many types of pathologies that would lead to the development of anemias.
Common Types of Anemia
Common Types of Anemia
Copper Deficiency Induced Iron Metabolism Anemia (Secondary Iron Deficiency) Copper is the cofactor for ceruloplasmin that oxidizes ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) to ferric iron (Fe³⁺) so that it can bind to transferrin for transport in the blood.
Copper Deficiency Induced Iron Metabolism Anemia (Secondary Iron Deficiency) Copper is the cofactor for ceruloplasmin that oxidizes ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) to ferric iron (Fe³⁺) so that it can bind to transferrin for transport in the blood.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia is often due to insufficient dietary intake, chronic blood loss, or malabsorption from stomach acid deficiency or other cause.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia is often due to insufficient dietary intake, chronic blood loss, or malabsorption from stomach acid deficiency or other cause.
Anemia of Chronic Disease (Anemia of Inflammation) is frequently seen in people with chronic conditions like kidney disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or infections.
Anemia of Chronic Disease (Anemia of Inflammation) is frequently seen in people with chronic conditions like kidney disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or infections.
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia is caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate (e.g., pernicious anemia and folate deficiency anemia) is also quite common, especially among older adults and those with malabsorption disorders.
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia is caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate (e.g., pernicious anemia and folate deficiency anemia) is also quite common, especially among older adults and those with malabsorption disorders.
The reason why Secondary Iron Deficiency (Copper Deficiency) is increasing in prevalence.
Copper Deficiency Anemia and Iron Metabolism
Copper deficiency-induced anemia, which affects iron metabolism, can indeed be underdiagnosed. This type of anemia occurs because copper is essential for the proper functioning of several enzymes involved in iron metabolism, including ceruloplasmin, which oxidizes ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) to ferric iron (Fe³⁺) so that it can bind to transferrin for transport in the blood. Without sufficient copper, iron transport is impaired, leading to functional iron deficiency even if iron stores are adequate or high. This can result in symptoms of anemia despite normal or elevated iron levels in standard tests.
Limitations of Standard Blood Tests
Most routine blood tests for anemia, such as hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and serum ferritin, focus on measuring iron in the blood rather than in tissues or assessing the overall metabolic pathway of iron utilization. Serum ferritin is often used as a marker of iron stores, but it can be influenced by factors like inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can lead to misinterpretation. Tests like serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation can provide insights into iron metabolism but do not directly assess tissue iron levels or account for how effectively iron is being utilized.
Prevalence and Misdiagnosis
Copper deficiency anemia is highly likely to be more prevalent than commonly thought, particularly in areas where dietary copper intake is low or where there is widespread use of metal chelators like EDTA and Glyphosate that can deplete soil copper. Even organic soils have largely been depleted of many minerals including copper. This condition may also be missed because symptoms of copper deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological symptoms, can overlap with those of iron-deficiency anemia, leading to a potential misdiagnosis if only standard iron metrics are considered.
Improving Diagnosis
To better diagnose and understand anemia types related to nutrient deficiencies, comprehensive testing that includes not just iron but also copper, ceruloplasmin (for copper status), and other related markers might be necessary. Functional tests that assess how well the body is using these minerals could provide a more accurate picture of a person’s overall iron and copper status.
Given the intricate relationship between copper and iron in the body, it’s essential for healthcare providers to consider a broader range of possibilities when diagnosing and treating anemia, especially in patients who do not respond to typical iron supplementation or who have unexplained anemia symptoms.
THE BIG KICKER.
Dysregulated iron metabolism affects a whole lot more than just red blood cells and this is why we should think twice before reaching for that iron supplement. Iron that is not safely managed by the body feeds silent infections leading to sickness. This means that this can be a primary contributing factor for the development of many pathologies.
Properly metabolized iron is utilized for much more than red blood cells. It is utilized to synthesize neurotransmitters, as an electron carrier in the mitochondria to produce energy, for detox with cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver, the glutathione pathway for for redox reactions and in immune function.
In simple terms proper iron metabolism prevents depression, chronic fatigue, parasitic infections, bacterial infections, viral infections, fungal infections, neurodegeneration and much much more.
Some may not respond well to copper supplementation and it is not recommended to supplement this mineral on its own without the important trace minerals. It may be advised to work with a professional when trying to solve a copper deficiency to see what other pathologies might be present.
Generally, it is important to understand that iron is a heavy metal and too much can cause problems. Visit the page on heavy metals to learn more about iron and managing it.
Rare Types of Anemia
Rare Types of Anemia
Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic Anemia
Less Common: This type includes a range of conditions where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. It includes inherited conditions (like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia) and acquired forms due to autoimmune diseases, infections, or toxins.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle Cell Anemia
Less Common: This inherited form of hemolytic anemia is more prevalent in certain populations, such as those of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent.
Thalassemia
Thalassemia
Less Common: Another inherited blood disorder, thalassemia, is more common in individuals of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African descent.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic Anemia
Rare: Aplastic anemia is a rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells. It can be caused by autoimmune diseases, exposure to certain toxins, radiation, or infections.
Megaloblastic Anemia
Megaloblastic Anemia
Less Common: Often due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, megaloblastic anemia is less common than iron-deficiency anemia but still occurs, especially in populations with dietary deficiencies or absorption issues.
Sideroblastic Anemia
Sideroblastic Anemia
Rare: Sideroblastic anemia is a rare disorder caused by abnormal iron processing in the bone marrow. It can be inherited or acquired due to toxins, drugs, or other diseases.
Fanconi Anemia
Fanconi Anemia
Very Rare: Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic disorder affecting the bone marrow, leading to decreased blood cell production.
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia
Very Rare: This is a rare congenital disorder affecting red blood cell production from infancy.
Hemorrhagic Anemia
Hemorrhagic Anemia
Variable Prevalence: Depending on the population and circumstances, this type of anemia can be more or less common, often associated with acute blood loss from trauma, surgery, or chronic conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse