Is Blood Red Inside The Human Body?

Why does the human body stop MAKING red blood cells?

• I was just taken out of intensive care, due to the fact that I needed 3 pints of red blood cells. My body does not make red blood cells. I am anemic. Why does the body stop making red ...show more

• Answer:

  Disregard P.Y.T.'s answer. Anemia is not the reason for not making red cells, but rather the reverse. Not making red cells is the reason for the anemia. Anemia RESULTS from not making red cells. Red cells have a very finite life span; half a trillion die every day and must be replaced. A hormone called erythropoietin (EP) stimulates the bone marrow to make new red cells. EP is produced by the kidneys, and so people with poorly functioning kidneys must be transfused periodically to maintain their red cell counts. Long-term diabetes often results in kidney failure, as you probably are aware.