Consider the similarities and differences between iron deficiency anemia and the type of anemia you selected.

Anemias such as megaloblastic or iron deficiency can both be caused by an insufficient number of red cells. The reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells in your bloodstream can cause fatigue, pallor, and shortness during exercise.

The primary difference between these two forms of anemia lies in their causes—iron deficiency is usually related to dietary issues or difficulty absorbing essential nutrients while megaloblastic anemias may be linked to either vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies due to malnutrition or difficulty with absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. Each type of anemia is treated differently depending on its underlying cause. In general, however, treatment involves either administering intravenous liquids for hydration or supplementing any missing nutrients.