What is Hemoglobin? - Increase Hemoglobin - Anemia

The Basics of Hemoglobin 

As the red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, they transport oxygen to where it's needed. Hemoglobin  is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. It consists of four subunits: two alpha chains and two beta chains. Each chain contains four polypeptide chains called globin chains. The alpha chains have 141 amino acids while the beta chains have 144. Alpha chains are larger than the beta chains and are located at the centre of the molecule. The beta chains are smaller, and are located towards the outside of the molecule. These chains help regulate the size and shape of the Hemoglobin  molecule. The alpha-beta dimer is attached to a heme group (iron bound porphyrin ring), which carries oxygen within the red blood cell. Heme groups do not exist separate from each other; instead, several molecules bind together to form one single heme complex.

Hemoglobin  is formed in the bone marrow after birth. In adults, about 80% of Hemoglobin  is produced in the bone marrow. As people age, however, their production slows down. About 20% is created in the liver. The remaining percentage comes from the expansion of existing red blood cells in the spleen and lungs. 

What are the effects of low hemoglobin ?

When Hemoglobin  levels drop below a certain concentration, symptoms like weakness, dizziness, or headache may occur.

The exact amount of hemoglobin  necessary to meet the needs of the human body varies depending upon how active and fit the individual is. A person with high physical activity requires more hemoglobin  than a sedentary individual. If the amount of hemoglobin  falls too low, problems arise. One of the primary reasons for low hemoglobin  levels is malnutrition. Malnutrition includes having insufficient amounts of iron and vitamin B12. Another cause of low hemoglobin is anemia . Anemia  occurs when there is insufficient creation of new red blood cells due to inadequate nutrition. Deficiency in hemoglobin  reduced oxygenation capacity resulting in fatigue and lack of energy.

Most common cause of low hemoglobin

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of low hemoglobin levels.

Hemoglobin (also called hem) is a protein-based red pigment normally present in the blood. hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body, where it transfers electrons from the lungs to various cells, including those involved in metabolism.

Iron deficiency is caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron and/or increased requirements due to rapid growth and development. Symptoms may include pale skin, fatigue, decreased appetite, and difficulty concentrating. In children under age 2 years, iron deficiency causes lack of coordination, irritability, developmental delays, and failure to thrive. Treatment includes supplements containing ferrous sulphate or folic acid, depending on whether the deficiency is primarily dietary or anemia related.

What foods to take to increase Hemoglobin 

In order to increase hemoglobin , individuals should consume foods rich in iron and vitamin B 12. Iron helps produce hemoglobin  and vitamin B 12 ensures that sufficient amounts are present in the body. Foods high in vitamin B12 include beef, pork, chicken breast, turkey, fish, tuna, salmon, oysters, dairy products, eggs, whole wheat bread, brown rice, peas, broccoli, spinach, bran cereals, oranges, potatoes, bananas, avocados, kidney beans, lentils, soybeans, tomatoes, almonds, peaches, blueberries, and prunes.

Iron is absorbed best in combination with vitamin C, which helps the body utilise iron. Good sources of both iron and vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, papaya, apricots, kiwi fruit, and green peppers. Vitamin C enhances the effectiveness of iron absorption and increases the rate of iron utilisation. Other foods high in vitamin C include leafy vegetables, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, cabbage, watermelon, cantaloupe, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale.

Vitamin B 12 is found in meat, milk, cheese, eggs, and enriched flour. It is also manufactured in bacteria in the gut. Vegetarians who eat fermented foods containing good amounts of Lactobacillus bulgaricus may get enough B 12 from these foods. However, Vegans cannot obtain adequate amounts of B12 unless they take supplements or drink fortified cow's milk.

It is recommended that pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant take 400 micrograms or more of vitamin B 12 daily. Women who are breastfeeding may require additional supplementation since babies only get small amounts of vitamin B12 through their mother's milk. Pregnant women with low iron levels tend to have higher rates of miscarriage. Vitamin B 12 is critical for foetal brain development, and therefore if a woman does not receive adequate amounts of vitamin B 12, she runs the risk of having her baby born with mental retardation or even death.

In conclusion, increasing hemoglobin levels can improve overall health and quality of life.