Anemia Analyzed

Anemia, the most common type of blood disorder, occurs when there is a significant drop or deficiency in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, and therefore in the amount of oxygen making its way through your body.

Red blood cells are lost too rapidly or are produced too slowly. The condition also strikes when the supply of hemoglobin (the protein-iron compound transported by red blood cells and which carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues) is diminished.

Here are some numbers on anemia in America as of 1994, the most recent year for which statistics are available:

* About 4.7 million Americans have anemia.

* 3.1 million of these cases affect Americans younger than 45.

* Anemia is far more prevalent among women than men:

--Among people younger than 45, six males per 1,000 have anemia versus 29.3 females.

--Among people 45-64, 4.5 males per 1,000 have anemia versus 29.9 females.

--Among people 65 and older, 11.4 males have anemia versus 26.8 females.

Sources: National Center for Health Statistics, Johns Hopkins Family Health Book (HarperCollins, 1999)