According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's "2023 National Health Statistics," the prevalence of anemia among individuals aged 10 and older in 2023 was 3.3% for men and 14.8% for women, showing a slight increase compared to the previous year.
When examined by age group, there is a distinct gender difference among younger people.
In the 19-29 age group, the prevalence was only 0.2% for men but significantly higher at 10.0% for women. Among those aged 30-39, it was 1.2% for men and 18.2% for women, while in the 40-49 age group, it was 1.8% for men and 21.7% for women. This demonstrates that among younger age groups, the prevalence of anemia is much higher in women than in men.
In contrast, among those aged 70 and older, the rates were 21.1% for men and 20.2% for women, showing that the gender gap narrows in the elderly population. Overall, the prevalence of anemia continues to rise, particularly among women and older adults, indicating the need for increased attention and management of anemia.
Anemia is defined as a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the concentration of hemoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the body's tissues and organs, falls below normal levels. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, chest pain, pale skin, and numbness in the limbs.
The main causes include iron deficiency, chronic diseases, hereditary disorders, and bleeding. In particular, the higher prevalence of anemia among women is due to iron loss and increased iron requirements caused by menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Additionally, female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone affect blood production and iron metabolism. If iron intake is insufficient due to extreme calorie restriction or selective diets that lead to deficiencies in specific nutrients, the body may not be able to maintain adequate iron stores, resulting in anemia.
For these reasons, anemia is commonly perceived as a disease that mainly affects women. However, the prevalence is relatively high among those aged 70 and older, and among men in this age group, it is nearly equal to that of women, indicating that anemia is also frequently associated with chronic diseases in the elderly population.
Representative chronic diseases include chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, heart failure, and chronic liver disease. These conditions can affect red blood cell production or the metabolism of iron and vitamins, thereby causing or worsening anemia.
Kim Yunmi, Director of the Comprehensive Health Screening Center at Daedong Hospital and a specialist in family medicine, stated, "Depending on the cause, anemia can be temporary or persist for a long time, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe, making it easy to mistake for simple fatigue." She added, "Anemia is not just a shortage of red blood cells; it can sometimes be a sign of a chronic disease.
In particular, severe anemia may take several weeks to months for red blood cell counts to return to normal, and if left untreated, it can lead to other conditions such as arrhythmia due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. Therefore, if unexplained fatigue or pallor persists, it is essential to visit a hospital to identify the underlying cause."
Anemia is diagnosed through a review of the patient's medical history and symptoms, as well as blood tests including a complete blood count (CBC). Depending on the cause, treatment may include taking iron supplements, folic acid, or vitamin injections. For anemia caused by chronic diseases, the focus is on treating the underlying condition.
To produce sufficient red blood cells, it is important to consume not only iron but also protein and vitamins. It is recommended to eat foods rich in iron and protein, such as meat, eggs, milk, fish, and tofu, as well as plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Soft drinks, coffee, and tea can interfere with iron absorption and should be avoided. Maintaining overall physical health through regular exercise and adequate sleep is also beneficial.
If necessary, taking iron or vitamin supplements after consulting with your primary care physician can also help prevent anemia.
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