Anemia in Elderly – Iron Deficiency Anemia Causes in Older People

In elderly people there is a notable reduction in the capacity to produce new blood cells. Yet, unless there is substantial physiological stress, the number of circulating cells remains fairly constant. Quantitative deficiencies are only apparent when stress produces a demand that exceeds reserve proliferative capacity. Such a demand might occur during an acute infection or after cytotoxic chemotherapy. (more…)