What Does Low Hemoglobin Mean?

Understanding low hemoglobin

What is hemoglobin? Simply put, it is a protein in red blood cells that is accountable for transporting oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Hemoglobin comprises four protein chains, each containing a heme molecule that binds to oxygen, allowing hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body.

Without hemoglobin, our organs and tissues would not get enough oxygen to operate, and our bodies would not be able to manufacture enough energy to conquer the day successfully.

How is it structured?

Hemoglobin is a complex protein comprising four chains of amino acids in specific arrangements, giving hemoglobin its unique structure.¹ Hemoglobin comprises two alpha chains and two beta chains, and each alpha chain and the beta chain has one heme molecule.

The heme molecule is a complex of iron and porphyrin that binds with oxygen. The iron ion in heme binds with oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin, a bright red pigment that gives oxygenated blood its characteristic color. The oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin depends on the number of oxygen molecules that bind to the heme groups.

The unique structure of hemoglobin allows it to efficiently diffuse oxygen across the walls of the air sacs and into the red blood cells, which bind to the heme groups in hemoglobin. As the blood circulates through the body, oxygen is released from hemoglobin and diffuses into tissues where needed.

The role of iron in hemoglobin

Iron plays a critical role in the structure and function of hemoglobin. It is a necessary component of the heme molecule, part of hemoglobin that binds with oxygen. Without enough iron, the body cannot make enough heme, making it harder to make enough functional hemoglobin to move oxygen around the body.

Low hemoglobin causes

Several forms of anemia can lead to low hemoglobin levels.² The most common types are:

Iron-deficiency anemia:

Iron deficiency Anemia results from the body’s incapacity to produce sufficient amounts of iron needed to produce hemoglobin. This form of anemia can result from insufficient nutrition, difficulty or inability to absorb food, significant blood loss, or certain medical conditions. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, and pale skin.

Vitamin-deficiency anemia:

Vitamin deficiency Anemia is caused by a deficiency of vitamins such as vitamin B12 or folate. These vitamins are necessary for the body to make red blood cells and hemoglobin, and insufficient levels of these vitamins can result in anemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and a pale complexion.

Anemia caused by chronic diseases:

Some chronic diseases, such as kidney disease or cancer, can lead to anemia by affecting the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. In these cases, anemia is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Anemia caused by a long-term illness can often be avoided when caring for the underlying illness, which may involve medications or other therapies.

What does low hemoglobin mean?

Low hemoglobin levels can be obtained through hemoglobin-measuring blood tests. Normal hemoglobin levels vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. However, a healthy range for adults is typically between 12 and 16 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for women and 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men.

Low hemoglobin levels are generally considered to be below these normal ranges. Mildly low levels (between 10 and 12 g/dL for women and 11 to 13.5 g/dL for men) may not cause symptoms. However, more severe drops in hemoglobin levels can lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and headaches.

Low hemoglobin levels can sometimes be hazardous, with levels below 7 g/dL considered critically low and potentially life-threatening.

Low hemoglobin levels in pregnancy

Low hemoglobin levels are prevalent during pregnancy due to an increased blood volume and need for iron. If left untreated, low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.

Low hemoglobin treatment and prevention

Preventing low hemoglobin levels is essential in maintaining overall health and well-being. One of the best ways to avoid low hemoglobin is to eat a healthy diet featuring nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Iron-rich foods include red meat, fish, poultry, beans, and leafy greens, while vitamin B12 is plentiful in meat, fish, and dairy products.

Ways to manage low hemoglobin levels

There are several ways to manage those diagnosed with low hemoglobin levels. A healthcare provider may recommend monitoring iron and vitamin levels and making dietary adjustments to ensure they get the necessary nutrients.

Doctors may recommend aggressive treatments for severely low hemoglobin levels, such as iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, or intravenous iron therapy. Sometimes, blood transfusions may also be necessary to raise hemoglobin levels quickly.

Treatment with Supplements and Iron IV

Depending on their causes, several treatment options can help manage low hemoglobin levels. In cases of iron-deficiency anemia, the iron stores in the body may need replenishing with iron supplements an Iron IV. People with vitamin-deficiency anemia may need vitamin B12 injections or supplements.

Medications are available for prescription to treat long-term conditions responsible for low hemoglobin levels.

In more severe cases, hemoglobin levels may need to be raised quickly through blood transfusions. In a blood transfusion, red blood cells from a donor are given to a patient to raise the patient’s hemoglobin level at a rapid pace.

Final thoughts

Low hemoglobin levels can significantly affect health and well-being, leading to physical symptoms and possible health problems. Low hemoglobin can be hard to deal with, but the proper diagnosis and treatment can handle many cases well. To stay healthy and strong, eating well, taking care of chronic conditions, and working with a healthcare provider to track and treat low hemoglobin levels are vital.