Hemoglobin and Level of Hemoglobin Required in the Body

Hemoglobin is a protein present in the red blood cells. The red color pigmentation of the blood is because of hemoglobin. The protein chains of hemoglobin contain iron as a co-factor or supporting element. For this reason, it is also called as metalloprotein. Hemoglobin is the primary oxygen-carrying protein that circulates throughout the blood. The oxygen from the lungs to the other body tissues is carried by the hemoglobin and returns to lungs with carbon dioxide released cells.

Hemoglobin inducts the process of metabolism where cells divide, replicate, grow, synthesize products. Besides its presence in the blood cells, hemoglobin is also an integral component of macrophages, neurons, alveolar cells in the lungs and microglial cells in the kidney. In these specialized cells, they act as an effective antioxidant and regulate the iron metabolism.

Hemoglobin levels

The blood test used to measure the level of hemoglobin is the Complete Blood Count (CBC).

  • Here are the normal levels of hemoglobin. It is usually measured as grams present per deciliter.
  • Newborns – 17 to 21 gm/dL
  • One month old – 11 to 14 gm/dL
  • Children – 12 to 14 gm/dL
  • Male – 14 to 18 gm/dL
  • Female – 12 to 16 gm/dL
  • Men above 40 years old- 12.4 to 14.9 gm/dL
  • Women above 40 years old- 11.7 to 13.8 gm/dL
  • The level of hemoglobin is low in women compared to men due menstruation. It is only after menopause, the level of hemoglobin in women reaches a steady state.
  • There is an another test called hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) which measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin
  • A Higher level of glycated hemoglobin indicates a higher risk for diabetes and a poor control of blood sugar levels.

Low Hemoglobin level

  • When the hemoglobin levels fall below the normal range, this condition termed as “Anemia”. It is characterized by low red blood cells count (RBC), as the majority of the hemoglobin is present in red blood cells.
  • Low hemoglobin levels condition might be physiological and normal in pregnant women and frequent blood donors who have usually low hemoglobin levels.

Reference ranges of Hemoglobin levels for the Diagnosis of Anemia

  • men < 13gm/100ml
  • women < 11.5gm/100ml

High Hemoglobin levels

  • When our body demands higher oxygen capacity, the body mechanism triggers rapid and abundant production of Red Blood Cells count, thereby increasing the level of hemoglobin above the normal values.
  • Chain smokers and the People who live at higher altitudes usually have high hemoglobin levels.

Impact of Mutation on Hemoglobin Genes

  • Mutation is a process where certain genes or parts of the DNA acquire a small change. Such a change alters the function of genes.
  • When hemoglobin genes undergo mutation due to certain environmental factors or chemotherapy, it leads to certain disorders
  • Genetic mutation conferred on the globin protein-coding genes creates an altered form of hemoglobin that leads to diseases like sickle cell anemia and Thalassemia.
  • Sickle cell anemia and Thalassemia are lifelong diseases.

Sickle cell anemia

  • Sickle cell anemia affected person blood will be characterized by two different abnormal hemoglobin called Hemoglobin S and hemoglobin SS.
  • Hemoglobin S produced by hemoglobin S gene turns red blood cells into sickle-shaped cells with stiff nodes at either terminal of the cells.
  • These sickle-shaped cells stick to the arteries and block the blood flow. This blockage reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.
  • Sickle cell anemia may lead to severe complications like organ damage, blindness, hypertension and heart diseases.
  • Treatment of Sickle cell anemia includes medications like antibiotics, blood transfusion, and bone marrow transplantation.

Thalassemia

  • Thalassemia is an inherited disorder
  • Hemoglobin mutation causes Thalassemia.
  • Hemoglobin is made up of two proteins namely alpha globulin and beta globulin.
  • A defect in any one of the genes producing these two proteins leads to Thalassemia.
  • In this condition, the blood cells are constantly destroyed leading to severe anemia.

    Low Hemoglobin level

    • When the hemoglobin levels fall below the normal range, this condition termed as “Anemia”. It is characterized by low red blood cells count (RBC), as the majority of the hemoglobin is present in red blood cells count.
    • Low hemoglobin levels condition might be physiological and normal in pregnant women and frequent blood donors who have usually low hemoglobin levels.

    Reference ranges of Hemoglobin levels for the Diagnosis of Anemia

    • Men < 13gm/100ml
    • Women < 11.5gm/100ml

    Causes of Low hemoglobin level/Anemia

    • Here are the listed various conditions resulting in low hemoglobin level
    • Bleeding resulting from an injury
    • Blood donation
    • Internal bleeding like endometriosis, ulcer etc.
    • Abnormal menstrual bleeding
    • Hormonal imbalance
    • Vitamin/Iron deficiency
    • Certain cancers like leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Liver cirrhosis
    • Gastritis- Inflammation and bleeding in stomach lining
    • Thalassemia
    • Hemolysis
    • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

    Low hemoglobin level/Anemia Symptoms

    • Excessive Tiredness
    • Unable to do physical activities
    • Shortness of breath
    • Drowsiness
    • Headaches
    • Joint pains
    • Pale or yellow skin
    • Brittle nails
    • Irregular/ abnormal heartbeat
    • Very poor appetite

    How to increase the hemoglobin levels

    • Low hemoglobin level is associated with a deficiency in iron and folic acid which are responsible for the cellular production of Red blood cells. Hence increase the intake of foods rich in both iron and folic acid.
    • According to a report released by WHO, research studies have shown that iron deficiency stands as the main reason for low hemoglobin levels. Therefore, consume iron-rich foods like shrimps, tofu, red meat, oysters, lentils, apple, pomegranate, dates, spinach, and almonds will significantly increase the hemoglobin levels.
    • Vitamin C plays an important role in iron metabolism. In the absence of vitamin C, iron cannot be fully absorbed. Consumption of vitamin C rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, asparagus, and papaya will provide adequate vitamin C to the body which helps in effective absorption of Iron, thereby improving the iron metabolism.
    • Besides vitamin C and iron, folic acid deficiency can also be attributed to low hemoglobin levels. Folic acid is a metabolic compound which helps in the production of red blood cells. Increase the intake of folic acid rich sources of foods like liver, sprouts, banana, fortified cereals, broccoli, peanuts. Regular consumption of these foods will gradually increase the levels of folic acid in the body.
    • Incorporate the foods enriched with folic acid, vitamin C, and iron which are abundant in beetroots, blackstrap molasses, and apples in your diet.
    • Include small portions of all these iron, vitamin C and folic acid rich foods as a part of daily diet will increase the hemoglobin levels.
    • However, there are also synthetic supplements available that contain iron and folic acid. These supplements must be taken only on advice from your physician.
    • Self-medication of these supplements needs to be avoided and contraindicated.
      High Hemoglobin levels

      • When our body demands higher oxygen capacity, the body mechanism triggers rapid and abundant production of Red Blood Cells count, thereby increasing the level of hemoglobin above the normal values.
      • Chain smokers and the People who live at high altitudes usually have high hemoglobin levels.

      Causes of High Hemoglobin levels

      • Bone marrow defects
      • Innate mechanisms of Red Blood Cells to compensate for the higher oxygen demand
      • Certain drugs like erythropoietin can increase the Red Blood Cells
      • Heart diseases
      • Lung disorders
      • Polycythemia
      • Certain blood cancers
      • Congenital heart diseases
      • Liver Diseases like Emphysema

      High Hemoglobin level Symptoms

      • Bluish discoloration of hands and legs which is termed as Peripheral cyanosis
      • Frequent urination
      • The limitation of the blood flow to the tissues leads to symptoms similar to Anemia
      • High level of hemoglobin increases the viscosity or thickness of the blood. As the blood becomes highly viscous, its flow to delicate regions like the brain is hampered. This is mainly because of the blood-brain barrier that has tightly packed cells through which the blood has to reach the cerebrum. When the blood flow is restricted to the brain due to viscosity, mental ability is affected. Hence, high hemoglobin levels can lead to mental illnesses

      How to reduce Hemoglobin levels

      • Blood donation
      • Avoid vitamin C and iron-enriched foods
      • Avoid multivitamins and iron supplements
      • Sufficient hydration
      • Phlebotomy – a procedure that breaks the blood clots by inserting a needle in the veins
      • Avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol
      • Include antioxidant abundant foods like legumes and berries in the diet
      • Prefer low altitudes
      • Increase physical activity
      • Quit Smoking
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