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Porphyrias are diseases that occur when the body has problems making heme. Acute porphyrias affect the nervous system; cutaneous porphyrias affect the skin.

Overview of hemoglobin variants that can affect A1C test results, and how to ensure your diabetes is well controlled if you have one of these variants.

Overview of anemia of inflammation, also called anemia of chronic disease, a type of anemia that affects people who have conditions that cause inflammation.

Find out what riboflavin is and what it does in your body, what foods provide it, and about riboflavin supplements.

Find out what riboflavin is and what it does in your body, what foods provide it, and about riboflavin supplements.

Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia will depend on its cause and severity. Treatments may include iron supplements, red blood cell transfusions, changes in your eating pattern, or procedures like endoscopy to stop bleeding.

To diagnose iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may do a physical exam, or order blood tests or other diagnostic tests. Blood tests will show a low hemoglobin level and low level of iron in your blood.

Iron-deficiency anemia can range from mild to severe. People with mild or moderate iron-deficiency anemia may not have any signs or symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include pale skin, fatigue and shortness of breath. Complications of iron-deficiency anemia include heart problems such as arrhythmias and depression.

To screen for iron-deficiency anemia your doctor may order a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Prevention of iron-deficiency anemia includes consuming enough iron and controlling other medical conditions that are risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia.

Risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia include being of certain age groups, some unhealthy environmental factors, family history and genetics, being female, and certain lifestyle habits such as vegetarianism.