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Normally, the kidneys produce a substance called erythropoietin that travels through the bloodstream and causes the bone marrow (the inner, soft portion of your bones) to make more red blood cells (RBCs). When the kidneys sense a decrease in RBCs (oxygen), they release more erythropoietin, which causes the bone marrow to make more RBCs.
People with chronic kidney disease (poorly functioning kidneys) can develop anemia if their kidneys do not produce enough erythropoietin.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you could be anemic. Only your healthcare provider can determine if you have anemia and decide the course of treatment that is right for you.