In anemia of inflammation, you may have a normal or sometimes increased amount of iron link stored in your body tissues, but a low level of iron in your blood. Inflammation may prevent your body from using stored iron to make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Why does chronic disease cause anemia?

What causes anemia of chronic disease? Chronic diseases may cause changes in red blood cells, the oxygen-carrying blood cells made by bone marrow. These changes can cause red blood cells to die sooner and slow down their production.

Why does inflammation interfere with iron absorption?

Inflammation associated with infections and inflammatory disorders would be expected to decrease iron absorption and reduce the efficacy of iron- fortified foods. The decreased absorption is due to an increase in circulating hepcidin in response to inflammatory cytokines.