Anemia affects people of all races, genders, and ages. It is more prevalent in underdeveloped countries where food is scarce, though. Anemia has a higher mortality rate in these areas, as well. In the industrialized world, anemia tends to affect those with existing conditions and who are older.
According to the World Health Association, approximately 24 percent of the global population suffers from some type of anemia. Of them, 47.7 percent are preschool children and 23.9 percent are elderly.
Who is most at risk of anemia?
Children and pregnant individuals have the highest risk of developing nutritional deficiency anemia. It is also common in the elderly. Sickle cell anemia tends to occur in people of African descent.
Anemia affects those with underlying conditions, as well. For example, someone with bleeding in their digestive tract can develop the condition as a side effect. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatment or a symptom of cancer itself.
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