Iron supplements are usually prescribed by a doctor when the cause of anemia in an individual is known and can be addressed with an iron supplement. Iron therapy is usually combined with lifestyle changes to help address the problem. This therapy is sometimes combined with daily diet modifications that improve iron absorption in the blood, such as the consumption of foods rich in iron-rich foods and the avoidance of certain foods and drinks that are high in iron, such as red meats, shellfish, and milk.

Because anemia can occur at any time in a person's life, it can be diagnosed in a number of ways, depending on the seriousness of the condition. Blood tests and a physical examination are typically performed to determine the cause of anemia and the extent of the damage that is taking place to the body's ability to function properly.

In some people, anemia is also caused by a failure of the bone marrow to produce enough red blood cells. In this case, medications may need to be prescribed to ensure that the blood cells produced are adequate. Other causes of anemia include liver or kidney disease, a vitamin D deficiency, or a combination of both.

Anemia symptoms are quite common among individuals of all ages and race, although they tend to occur much less frequently among blacks. It is important to recognize the symptoms of anemia in order to make sure that a medical treatment is given for the condition and to avoid any complications.