Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to anemia mainly because damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin (EPO)—the hormone that signals bone marrow to make red blood cells—and because inflammation in CKD raises hepcidin, which traps iron in stores and blocks its use, causing iron-restricted erythropoiesis. Additional contributors include shortened red cell lifespan, uremic toxins that blunt marrow … Continue reading How Does Chronic Kidney Disease Lead To Anemia?