The Mayo Clinic defines low hemoglobin counts as anything below 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:. Folate is a B vitamin that your body uses to produce heme, the part of your red blood cells that contains hemoglobin. This can lead to folate deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin levels. 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.
Iron supplements should always be kept carefully out of reach of children. 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.
Certain things can either increase or decrease the amount of iron your body absorbs. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
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This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Symptoms Low hemoglobin count. Sections Basics Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Each hemoglobin protein can carry four molecules of oxygen, which are delivered throughout the body by red blood cells.
Hemoglobin also plays a role in helping red blood cells obtain their disc-like shape, which helps them move easily through blood vessels. Hemoglobin levels are measured by a blood test. 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 In children, normal levels vary according to age. 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. 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.
Low hemoglobin levels usually indicate that a person has anemia. There are several kinds of anemia:. Newborns have a temporary anemia when they are 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.
This is an iron-rich protein that helps bring oxygen to the body. Anemia is measured in hemoglobin levels. Your doctor should use just enough blood to get to this level. Often, one unit of blood is enough. But recent research found that:.
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