What is anemia and who is at risk?
Anemia is defined as a hemoglobin level below 12 g/dL in women and below 13 g/dL in men. It means the blood doesn't carry enough oxygen to meet the body's needs. In Peru, anemia affects approximately 43% of children under 3 years old, 30% of pregnant women, and is highly prevalent among women of childbearing age. High-altitude residents (Andes, above 3,000 m) naturally have higher hemoglobin due to physiological adaptation, so altitude-adjusted cutoffs must be used.
The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia, caused by insufficient dietary iron, blood loss (heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding), or poor absorption (celiac disease, gastric surgery). B12 and folate deficiency anemia is common in strict vegetarians/vegans or people with absorption issues. Anemia of chronic disease accompanies long-term inflammatory conditions, kidney disease, or cancer.
Key facts
- ✓Fatigue is the most common symptom — but its cause must be confirmed with a blood test, not assumed
- ✓Iron supplements should not be taken without confirming iron deficiency — excess iron is harmful
- ✓Ferritin (iron stores) is a more sensitive marker of iron deficiency than hemoglobin alone
- ✓Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption from plant foods — take with iron-rich meals
- ✓Severe or recurring anemia always requires investigation of the underlying cause, not just supplementation
Get your anemia evaluated online
A doctor can order blood tests (hemogram, ferritin, B12), interpret results, and prescribe iron or B12 supplements as needed.
Book your consultation →Symptoms to watch for
Classic symptoms of anemia include: persistent fatigue and weakness, pallor (pale skin, inner eyelids, or gums), palpitations and rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath with minimal exertion, headache and difficulty concentrating, dizziness and cold hands/feet. Severe iron deficiency may cause pica (craving for non-food substances like ice, dirt, or clay) — a specific sign. B12 deficiency anemia additionally causes neurological symptoms: tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, balance problems, and memory difficulties.
Symptoms worsen gradually, which is why many people with mild-to-moderate anemia don't realize it until a blood test reveals low hemoglobin. The body compensates for a while, increasing heart rate and cardiac output — which is why palpitations are an early functional sign.
Talk to a doctor about your fatigue
Online medical consultation from S/80. Lab orders included.
Book nowDiagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis starts with a complete blood count (CBC), which reveals hemoglobin level, red blood cell size (MCV) and color (MCH). Small, pale red blood cells (microcytic, hypochromic) suggest iron deficiency; large cells (macrocytic) suggest B12 or folate deficiency. Ferritin confirms iron stores (below 30 ng/mL indicates deficiency). An online doctor can order these tests through a digital lab order valid at laboratories throughout Peru.
For iron deficiency, treatment is ferrous sulfate (325 mg, 1–3 times daily between meals) or ferrous gluconate, continued for 3–6 months after hemoglobin normalizes to replenish iron stores. B12 deficiency is treated with oral cyanocobalamin (1,000 mcg/day) or, in malabsorption cases, intramuscular injections. Folate deficiency with folic acid 1–5 mg/day. Response to treatment is monitored with a repeat CBC at 4–8 weeks.
FAQ
Can anemia be diagnosed without a blood test?
No. Symptoms of anemia overlap with many other conditions (hypothyroidism, depression, sleep disorders). A blood test is required to confirm the diagnosis, identify the type, and determine the appropriate treatment.
Is diet alone enough to treat iron deficiency anemia?
Usually not for established anemia. While a diet rich in heme iron (red meat, liver) or fortified foods with vitamin C helps, supplementation is typically needed to restore iron stores to normal levels efficiently. Diet alone may prevent relapse once treated.
How long does it take to recover from anemia?
Hemoglobin typically normalizes in 4–8 weeks of iron supplementation, but iron stores take 3–6 months to fully replenish. Continuing treatment after hemoglobin normalizes is essential to prevent recurrence.
Can an online doctor order lab tests in Peru?
Yes. Delvir physicians can issue digital lab orders valid at clinical laboratories throughout Peru. You get tested, share the results in a follow-up consultation, and receive treatment guidance — all without visiting a clinic.
Conclusion
Anemia is common, diagnosable with a simple blood test, and treatable. If you're experiencing persistent fatigue, pallor, or palpitations, don't attribute it to "stress" without checking — a blood test takes minutes and provides definitive answers.
At Delvir, you can consult a physician online from S/80 and get lab orders and treatment guidance from anywhere in Peru.