Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms And Treatments

5. Anemia

Anemia occurs when the blood is deficient in red blood cells, which are required to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Rectal bleeding and blood loss due to blood diarrhea may increase the risk of anemia. Ulcerative colitis may also cause iron-deficient anemia, which occurs when the body becomes deficient in the mineral iron. During a flare, the lining of the colon becomes infected and inflamed, which makes it difficult for the small intestine to absorb many nutrients and increases the risk of deficiencies.