What causes RA-associated anemia?
The most common causes of anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis include inflammation and iron deficiency. • Inflammation: The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is the most common cause of anemia, affecting up to two-thirds of RA patients.7 Inflammation decreases the production of red blood cells by releasing small proteins that effect how your body uses iron and how your body produces erythropoietin, a hormone that controls production of red blood cells. Since your red blood cells carry oxygen, when there are not enough of them your body’s organs do not get enough oxygen.2 This can produce the symptoms you may feel when suffering from anemia, which are discussed below. • Iron Deficiency: Although inflammation is the most common cause of anemia, many RA patients also do not have enough iron available in their body to make enough healthy red blood cells. This iron deficiency is usually caused by menstrual bleeding, digestive tract bleeding or a problem getting the
