Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. Oxygen entering the lungs attaches to the hemoglobin in the blood, which carries it to the tissues in the body.
When someone has insufficient red blood cells or the ones they have do not work properly, the body is left short of the oxygen it needs to function. This condition is called anemia.
Here, we will look at the role of hemoglobin, and how levels of it in the blood are tested. We also examine the main kinds of anemia in more detail and explore ways to prevent the condition.
What are the symptoms of low hemoglobin count?
Each hemoglobin protein can carry four molecules of oxygen, which are delivered throughout the body by red blood cells. Every one of the body’s billions of cells needs oxygen to repair and maintain itself.
Hemoglobin also plays a role in helping red blood cells obtain their disc-like shape, which helps them move easily through blood vessels.
How are hemoglobin levels tested?
Hemoglobin levels are measured by a blood test. Hemoglobin, or Hb, is usually expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood. A low level of hemoglobin in the blood relates directly to a low level of oxygen.
In the United States, anemia is diagnosed if a blood test finds less than 13.5 g/dL in a man or less than 12 g/dL in a woman. In children, normal levels vary according to age.
High hemoglobin levels
High hemoglobin levels could be indicative of the rare blood disease, polycythemia. It causes the body to make too many red blood cells, causing the blood to be thicker than usual. This can lead to clots, heart attacks, and strokes. It is a serious lifelong condition that can be fatal if it is not treated.
A high hemoglobin can also be caused by dehydration, smoking, or living at high altitudes, or it can be linked to other conditions, such as lung or heart disease.
symptoms of low hemoglobin count
Low hemoglobin levels usually indicate that a person has anemia. There are several kinds of anemia:
- Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type. This form of anemia occurs when a person does not have enough iron in their body, and it cannot make the hemoglobin it needs. Anemia is usually caused by blood loss, but can also be due to poor absorption of iron. This can happen, for example, when someone has had gastric bypass surgery.
- Pregnancy-related anemia is a kind of iron-deficiency anemia, which occurs because pregnancy and childbirth require a significant amount of iron.
- Vitamin-deficiency anemia happens when there are low levels of nutrients, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid (also called folate), in the diet. These anemias change the shape of the red blood cells, which makes them less effective.
- Aplastic anemia is a disorder where blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow are attacked by the immune system, resulting in fewer red blood cells.
- Hemolytic anemia can be the result of another condition, or it can be inherited. It occurs when the red blood cells are broken up in the bloodstream or the spleen.
- Sickle cell anemia is an inherited condition where the hemoglobin protein is abnormal. It means the red blood cells are sickle-shaped and rigid which stops them flowing through small blood vessels.
Anemia can also be caused by other conditions, such as kidney disease and chemotherapy for cancer, which can also affect the body’s ability to make red blood cells.
Newborns have temporary anemia when they are 6-8 weeks old. This occurs when they run out of the red blood cells they are born with but their bodies have not made new red blood cells. This condition will not affect the baby adversely unless they are sick for some other reason.
Babies can also have anemia from breaking down cells too quickly, which results in yellowing skin, a condition known as jaundice. This often occurs if the mother and baby have incompatible blood types.
symptoms of low hemoglobin count
Typical symptoms of low hemoglobin include:
- weakness
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- pounding in the ears
- headache
- cold hands and feet
- pale or yellow skin
- chest pain
Risk factors
Older people or people who lack iron in their diets can be at risk of developing anemia.
People who do vigorous exercise are also at greater risk, as exertion can lead to a breakdown of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Women who are menstruating or pregnant may also be at increased risk of developing anemia.
People who have chronic health conditions, including autoimmune conditions, liver disease, thyroid disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, may have lower hemoglobin levels, which increases the chances of developing anemia.
Hemoglobin levels increase in situations where a person needs more oxygen in their body. Consequently, someone who has lung or kidney disease, who smokes, or is dehydrated, may be at risk of increased hemoglobin levels.
Prevention
While many types of anemia cannot be prevented, eating iron-rich foods, such as beef, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts can prevent anemias caused by iron or vitamin deficiencies.
Meat and dairy are good sources of vitamin B12, and folic acid is found in citrus juices, legumes, and fortified cereals.
The American Society of Hematology recommends taking a daily multivitamin to help prevent nutritional anemias. Older adults, however, should not take iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia unless instructed to do so by their doctor.
Smoking cessation and drinking plenty of water can help avoid high hemoglobin levels.
Treatment
Anemia treatment varies, depending on the cause of the condition. Changes in diet or dietary supplements can help people who have iron or vitamin deficiency anemias.
If the anemia is caused by another condition, treating the underlying disease will often alleviate the problem.
Medications and blood transfusions are among the treatment options for aplastic anemia, and antibiotics may be used in the case of hemolytic anemia.
Polycythemia is a lifelong condition that has no cure but can be managed with medication.
Sickle cell disease is a life-limiting condition. The only cure available is a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Treatments are available, however, that reduce symptoms and enhance a person’s quality of life.
What happens when someone has symptoms of low hemoglobin count?
If a disease or condition affects the body’s production of red blood cells, the hemoglobin levels may drop. Fewer red blood cells and lower hemoglobin levels may cause the person to develop anemia.
What is anemia?
Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin in a person’s blood. When a person develops anemia, he or she is said to be “anemic.” There are several different types of anemia. Some types cause only mild health problems, while others are much more severe. Each type of anemia comes from one of these factors:
- The body cannot make enough hemoglobin.
- The body makes hemoglobin, but the hemoglobin doesn’t work right.
- The body does not make enough red blood cells.
- The body breaks down red blood cells too fast.
What causes anemia?
Your body uses an iron to make hemoglobin. A lack of iron in the body is the most common cause of anemia. This is called iron-deficiency anemia. If you don’t get enough iron, your body cannot make hemoglobin. Factors that can lower your body’s stores of iron include the following:
- Blood loss (caused by ulcers, trauma, some cancers, and other conditions; and, in women, during monthly periods)
- An iron-poor diet
- An increase in the body’s need for iron (in women during pregnancy)
What are the symptoms of anemia?
There are a number of symptoms that occur in all types of anemia, including:
- Feeling tired
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling cold
- Weakness
- Pale skin
Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. It also transports carbon dioxide out of your cells and back to your lungs to be exhaled.
The Mayo Clinic defines low hemoglobin counts as anything below 13.5 grams per deciliter in men or 12 grams per deciliter in women.
Many things can cause low hemoglobin levels, such as:
- iron-deficiency anemia
- pregnancy
- liver problems
- urinary tract infections
In addition, some people have naturally low hemoglobin counts without any underlying cause. Others have low hemoglobin but never have any symptoms.
Iron plays an important role in hemoglobin production. A protein called transferrin binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. This helps your body make red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin.
The first step toward raising your hemoglobin level on your own is to start eating more iron. Foods that are high in iron include:
- liver and organ meats
- shellfish
- beef
- broccoli
- kale
- spinach
- green beans
- cabbage
- beans and lentils
- tofu
- baked potatoes
- fortified cereals and enriched bread
Folate is a B vitamin that your body uses to produce heme, the part of your red blood cells that contains hemoglobin. Without enough folate, your red blood cells can’t mature. This can lead to folate deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin levels.
You can add folate to your diet by eating more:
- beef
- spinach
- black-eyed peas
- avocado
- lettuce
- rice
- kidney beans
- peanuts
Take iron supplements
If you need to raise your hemoglobin level by a lot, you may need to take oral iron supplements. However, too much iron can cause a condition called hemochromatosis. This can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, and other side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
Work with your doctor to figure out a safe dose, and avoid taking more than 25 milligrams (mg) at one time. The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that men get up to 8 mg of iron per day, while women should get up to 18 mg per day. If you’re pregnant, you should aim for up to 27 mg a day.
You should start noticing a difference in your iron level after about a week to a month, depending on your underlying condition that’s causing low hemoglobin.
Iron supplements should always be kept carefully out of reach of children. If your child needs an iron supplement, make sure you choose one that’s safe for children. symptoms of low hemoglobin count.
Children have a lower blood volume, which makes them much more vulnerable to iron poisoning. If your child accidentally takes an iron supplement, call your doctor immediately.
Things that increase iron absorption
When you eat something high in iron or take an iron supplement, try eating foods rich in vitamin C or take a supplement at the same time. Vitamin C may help to increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. Try squeezing some fresh lemon over iron-rich foods to increase absorption.
Foods high in vitamin C include:
- citrus
- strawberries
- dark, leafy greens
Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which helps your body produce vitamin A, can also help your body absorb more iron. You can find vitamin A in animal food sources, such as fish and liver. Beta-carotene is usually found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, such as:
- carrots
- winter squash
- sweet potatoes
- mangos
You can also take vitamin A supplements, but make sure you work closely with your doctor to figure out a safe dose. Too much vitamin A can lead to a potentially serious condition called hypervitaminosis A.
Things that decrease iron absorption
Calcium from both supplements and food sources can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. However, it’s important that you don’t completely eliminate calcium because it’s an essential nutrient. Just avoid calcium supplements and try not to eat calcium-rich foods right before or after taking an iron supplement.
Foods high in calcium include:
- dairy
- soybeans
- seeds
- figs
Phytic acid can also reduce your body’s absorption of iron, especially if you don’t eat meat. However, it only affects iron absorption during a single meal, not throughout the day. If you don’t eat meat, try to avoid eating foods high in phytic acid with iron-rich foods.
Foods high in phytic acid include:
- walnuts
- Brazil nuts
- sesame seeds
Keep in mind that, like calcium, phytic acid is an essential nutrient that shouldn’t be completely removed from your diet.
When to see doctor symptoms of low hemoglobin count
Some cases of low hemoglobin can’t be fixed through diet and supplements alone. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms while trying to raise your hemoglobin level:
- pale skin and gums
- fatigue and muscle weakness
- a fast or irregular heartbeat
- frequent headaches
- frequent or unexplained bruising
The bottom line
There are several things you can do to raise your hemoglobin count through dietary changes and supplements. Make sure you stay in touch with your doctor while you try to raise your hemoglobin count.
You may need additional treatment, such as an iron transfusion, especially if you’re pregnant or have a chronic health condition.
Depending on the underlying cause and the changes you make, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to almost a year to raise your symptoms of low hemoglobin count.
0 Comments