Causes of Iron deficiency Anemia and Vitamin deficiency anemia? ( by www.webmd.com )

Iron deficiency anemia occurs because of a lack of the mineral iron in the body. Bone marrow in the center of the bone needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that transports oxygen to the body's organs. Without adequate iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. The result is iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by the following:
· An iron-poor diet, especially in infants, children, teens and vegetarians

· The metabolic demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding that deplete a woman's iron stores
· Menstruation

· Frequent blood donation

· Endurance training

· Digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease or surgical removal of part of the stomach or small intestine

· Certain drugs, foods, and caffeinated drinks

Vitamin deficiency anemia may occur when vitamin B-12 and folate are deficient. These two vitamins are needed to make red blood cells. Conditions leading to anemia caused by vitamin deficiency include the following:

· Megaloblastic anemia: Vitamin B-12 or folate or both are deficient

· Pernicious anemia: Poor vitamin B-12 absorption caused by conditions such as Crohn's disease, an intestinal parasite infection, surgical removal of part of the stomach or intestine, or infection with HIV

· Dietary deficiency: Eating little or no meat may cause a lack vitamin B12, while overcooking or eating too few vegetables may cause a folate dificiency

· Other causes of vitamin deficiency: pregnancy, certain medications, alcohol abuse, intestinal diseases such as tropical sprue and gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac disease)

During early pregnancy, sufficient folic acid can prevent the fetus from developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Source of Information: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics?page=2