Low haemoglobin levels indicate possible health issues, including anaemia and cancer. Dietary changes and supplements may be helpful in increasing haemoglobin.
In red blood cells, haemoglobin, a protein rich in iron, is responsible for oxygen transportation throughout the body.
Anaemia is a condition characterised by low levels of haemoglobin in the blood. It is caused by a deficiency in red blood cells or a lack of functioning red blood cells. Anaemia results in insufficient oxygen supply to the body, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
This article covers the topic of haemoglobin levels, including how to boost them naturally, and discusses anaemia and its causes.
People with low haemoglobin levels can take measures to increase and maintain their levels from the comfort of their own homes.
Anaemia caused by a lack of iron is the most prevalent form of anaemia.
By increasing the production of haemoglobin, iron helps to create more red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells will decrease if iron levels are too low, leading to insufficient oxygen supply.
Eating foods high in iron can help people with low haemoglobin levels.
Folate, a type of B vitamin, is essential for forming haemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. The body needs folate to make heme, a portion of haemoglobin that transports oxygen.
Folate is an essential nutrient for developing red blood cells; if a person does not get enough of it, their red blood cells will be unable to mature properly. This can cause folate-deficiency anaemia, characterised by low haemoglobin levels and other symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
Folate is present in many foods, such as
A person can also speak with a qualified healthcare professional about folate acid supplementation, which is better absorbed by the body. The body absorbs 85% of the vitamin when it is taken as a supplement, compared to 50% in foods.
Better absorption of iron can be achieved by consuming specific vitamins and minerals, including:
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene can all be found in the following foods:
Vitamin C |
Vitamin A |
Beta-Carotene |
• Oranges • Strawberries • Papaya • Guava • Sweet Red Pepper • Grapefruit |
• Fish • Liver • Squash • Sweet Potatoes • Collards |
• Carrots • Turnips • Squash • Cantaloupes • Mangoes |
Taking vitamin C, A, and beta-carotene supplements can help increase the body's ability to absorb iron.
Vitamin C, A, and beta-carotene supplements enhance the body's capacity to absorb iron.
If a person's haemoglobin levels are deficient, a doctor may recommend they take iron supplements to help raise them.
Iron supplements are used to increase the body's iron levels over time. It can take weeks or months to build the body's iron reserves. A physician may suggest taking them for an extended duration to ensure the body has enough iron.
An excessive amount of iron in the body can lead to hemochromatosis, which can have serious consequences, such as liver disease and side effects like:
The body's iron will determine how much medication is needed.
It is necessary to conduct a blood test by a healthcare professional to assess a person's haemoglobin, measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL).
People with lower than typical haemoglobin levels are said to have a low haemoglobin level, diagnosed through a blood test.
|
Normal (g/dL) |
Low (g/dL) |
Male |
13.5-18 |
Lower than 13.5 |
Female |
12-15 |
Lower than 12 |
Children |
11-16 |
Lower than 12 |
Age-specific haemoglobin levels should be considered when assessing a child's health. If you are concerned about your child's haemoglobin levels, it is recommended that you speak with a medical professional.
The following symptoms may occur in people with low haemoglobin levels:
Numerous causes can lead to an individual having a decreased haemoglobin level and anaemia.
Trusted Sources include the following causes:
Those severely anaemic with low haemoglobin levels may require hospitalisation to raise their red blood cell count rapidly.
A decrease in haemoglobin levels can lead to anaemia, a condition characterised by a deficiency of red blood cells. This decrease in red blood cells reduces the body's oxygen, which can harm one's health.
Low haemoglobin may cause symptoms like:
Consult your doctor about the best dietary changes and supplement dosage to increase your haemoglobin levels.
If haemoglobin levels are not restored to normal, additional treatments, including a blood transfusion, may be necessary.
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