'anti-anemic' originates from Modern English, formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'anemic', which ultimately comes from Greek 'anaimia' (an- 'without' + haima 'blood') via Medieval/Latin 'anemia'.

'anemia' entered English from Medieval Latin 'anemia', itself from Greek 'anaimia'. The compound 'anti-anemic' was formed in Modern English by attaching the prefix 'anti-' to the adjective 'anemic'.

Initially it literally meant 'against anemia'; over time this literal sense has been retained and is used to describe agents or measures that prevent or counteract anemia.