What do hemoglobin levels tell you and when should you raise them?

Many people have heard of hemoglobin, but not everyone knows what it is and why its level in the body is so important. It performs several vital functions. Together with Azamat Zhambeev, a general practitioner at the European Medical Center, we tell you what hemoglobin is, what its level is considered normal and what to do if it is too low.

Why does the body needs hemoglobin?

This is a substance of protein nature, contained in red blood cells (red blood cells). It consists of two parts, reflected in its name – heme (the non-protein part) and the simple protein globin.

Hemoglobin provides oxygen transport. In the capillaries of the lungs with one of its molecules with a maximum of four oxygen molecules bind to form oxyhemoglobin. Then in the blood stream, red blood cells deliver this bond to organs and tissues. Here, the oxygen necessary for oxidative processes is released from the bond with hemoglobin.

In addition, hemoglobin is able to bind small amounts of carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide) in the tissues and release it in the lungs, removing it from the body. This compound also has a buffering function: it plays an important role in stabilizing the blood’s hydrogen (pH) value. The normal pH value of the blood lies between 7.35 and 7.40.

What do low and high hemoglobin levels indicate?

When the amount of hemoglobin decreases, a person develops anemia. The main cause of this is considered to be iron deficiency.

Also, anemia can be associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

In addition, a decrease in the level of hemoglobin can be caused by premature death of red blood cells, an increase in the rate of their destruction. This condition is observed in some immune disorders, prolonged infectious diseases, as a result of exposure to drugs and chemicals of oxidizing action, poisons, burns and frostbite, infectious factors, etc.

An increase in hemoglobin above the norm can speak of dehydration of the body or a high number of red blood cells. Elevated hemoglobin is observed in congenital and acquired heart defects, lung diseases, some cancers. Also, the level may be higher than normal after physical activity and in general in residents of high mountains, which is due to the compensation reaction: high-mountain air is poor in oxygen, and in this way the body increases its content in the blood.

What level of hemoglobin is considered normal?

For an adult man, the norm of hemoglobin is 130-160 g / l of blood, for an adult woman – 120-140 g / l.

For children, such values are considered normal:

• newborn children up to two weeks of life – not less than 150 g / l;
• children from two to four weeks of life – 120 g/l and above;
• children from six to 59 months of age – 110-140 g/l;
• children from five to 11 years of age – 115-140 g/L;
• children aged 12 to 14 years – 120-150 g/L;
• children over 15 years of age – 130-160 g/L.

When do I need to increase hemoglobin levels?

If the hemoglobin level drops below the specified norms, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Correct it, taking into account the cause of the development of anemia. An important task of treatment is the elimination of the underlying disease. Therefore, when determining low hemoglobin in the blood, it is necessary to undergo a number of examinations.

How to increase the level of hemoglobin?

The method of treatment of anemia depends on its degree and the cause of its occurrence. In most cases of iron-deficiency anemia, doctors prescribe iron preparations and give recommendations on diet. Treatment of B12-deficiency anemia is based on making up the deficiency with vitamin B12 preparations. In almost all cases, this allows you to get a positive effect.

Foods with a high iron content include shellfish, offal, red meat, spinach, legumes, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, broccoli, tofu, dark chocolate. In B12-deficiency anemia, it is necessary to include foods rich in this vitamin: beef, also by-products, eggs, milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables. As an aid can be dishes with a high content of ascorbic acid: red pepper, black currants, rose hips, citrus fruits. It is recommended to drink vitamin tea from berries, if there are no allergies and other contraindications.

Independently compose the correct diet is difficult. This should be done by a specialist, taking into account the norm of iron, which is necessary for the patient at his hemoglobin level. This is especially important for children and pregnant women.

Do not try to increase the level of hemoglobin on your own without finding out the cause of anemia, it is necessary to see a doctor in time.