D53: Other nutritional anaemias

D53.0: Protein deficiency anaemia

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

Red blood cells contain the red hemoglobin that gives blood its color. This pigment is important for carrying oxygen in the blood. Haemoglobin needs various nutrients to be formed. These nutrients include, for example, various proteins, vitamins and iron.

You are not getting enough protein from your diet. Your body is therefore not forming enough haemoglobin. If you don’t have enough haemoglobin, then the body can no longer transport as much oxygen. This can mean you’re exhausted more quickly or you have difficulty breathing.