Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron absorbed from the diet. Iron is absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum after being released from foods in the stomach. Factors like pregnancy, iron deficiency, and vitamin C enhance iron absorption, while excess phosphate, tannates, phytate, and decreased stomach acid decrease absorption. Conditioned deficiency can also occur if iron is not properly absorbed or utilized, even with normal intake.