Causes of Hemoglobin Deficiency and How to Overcome It
Sunday 8 January 2023
Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. This protein also functions to give blood a red color.
Conditions that Cause the Body to Lack Hemoglobin
Lack of hemoglobin can be caused by a number of diseases that result in reduced levels of red blood cells in the body. This condition occurs because of three things, namely:
1. Hb production decreased
Decreased Hb production in the body can be caused by iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common types of anemia. This condition occurs because the body lacks iron which is an important component for producing hemoglobin.
In addition, several conditions or diseases that can cause reduced Hb production in the body are:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Lack of nutrients needed to produce red blood cells, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid
- Chronic kidney failure or severe liver damage
- Blood cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Side effects of certain drugs, such as chemotherapy drugs and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for HIV infection
In order to function properly, the level of hemoglobin in the blood must be within the normal range. The normal Hb level for an adult male is 13 g/dL (grams per deciliter), while the normal Hb level for an adult female is 12 g/dL.
In infants, normal Hb levels are 11 g/dL, children aged 1–6 years are 11.5 g/dL, and children to adolescents aged 6–18 years are in the range of 12 g/dL. Meanwhile, the normal Hb level for pregnant women is 11 g/dL.
A person is said to have a deficiency of hemoglobin if the hemoglobin level is lower than normal. A person's Hb level can be known through a complete blood test, which is an examination of a blood sample which is usually taken from a vein in the arm.
In some people, low Hb levels may not cause symptoms. However, if the Hb level is too low and accompanied by symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath, then the lack of hemoglobin is likely to have developed into anemia or anemia.
2. Abnormalities in hemoglobin
Some disorders destroy hemoglobin faster than the body can make it. These abnormal conditions can be:
- Porphyria
- Splenomegaly or swelling of the spleen
- Vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels
- Hemolytic anemia
- Thalassemia
- Sickle cell anemia
Several conditions can cause the body to lose blood, namely:
- Bleeding due to injury or surgery
- Bleeding in the digestive tract due to stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, or bowel cancer
- Bleeding in the urinary tract
- Menorraghia or heavy menstruation
- Too frequent blood donors
4. Chronic infections, eg intestinal worms
Low hemoglobin levels are not always a sign of something serious. However, this condition should still be examined by a doctor because it could indicate the presence of certain diseases, especially if it causes severe symptoms.
The symptoms that arise due to a lack of hemoglobin can be similar to the symptoms of anemia in general and are accompanied by certain symptoms according to the underlying disease.
How to Overcome Hemoglobin Deficiency
Hemoglobin deficiency can be overcome by increasing hemoglobin levels or treating diseases that cause reduced hemoglobin levels. Because it can be caused by many things, a lack of hemoglobin should be examined by a doctor further.
After the doctor finds out what causes the body to lack hemoglobin or anemia, there are several treatment steps that can be taken, such as:
1. Increase intake of iron, vitamin B12, and folate
Iron, vitamin B12, and folate are nutrients that play an important role in the production of hemoglobin-rich red blood cells. Therefore, if your body lacks hemoglobin, you need to increase your intake of foods rich in iron, vitamin B12 and folate, such as:
- Beef or chicken liver
- Meat
- Seafood, such as fish, shrimp and scallops
- Green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and kale
- Legumes, such as green beans, red beans, and soybeans
- Cereals fortified with iron and folate
In addition to food, the doctor may give supplements containing iron, folate and vitamin B12. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends iron supplements at a dose of 30–60 mg for adults to prevent anemia and increase the amount of hemoglobin.
Even though it is generally safe to consume, some people can experience some side effects, such as nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and black stools, when taking iron tablets. Therefore, make sure the dosage of supplements consumed is in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.
In addition to the intake above, you can also eat foods that contain vitamin C to help the body absorb more iron.
2. Erythropoietin therapy
Erythropoietin therapy is hormone therapy to stimulate red blood cell production. This treatment of choice is for anemia due to severe kidney disease that causes inadequate production of the hormone erythropoietin.
The use of this hormone can also be used to treat anemia due to side effects of chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders, and anemia caused by cancer.
3. Blood transfusion
Blood transfusions are needed to increase Hb in conditions when the body is unable to make Hb normally, for example due to thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Blood transfusions are also given for severe anemia when Hb levels have fallen far below normal limits.
People who routinely receive blood transfusions need to undergo iron chelation therapy to prevent excess iron levels due to transfusions.
4. Stem cell therapy
This therapy is one of the therapeutic options for treating hemoglobin diseases, such as thalassemia. Patients with thalassemia must routinely get blood transfusions so that the need for Hb is fulfilled.
Stem cell therapy is carried out by means of graft surgery or bone marrow transplantation to support normal Hb production. However, this procedure has drawbacks, namely the risk of fatal complications and expensive operating costs. Therefore, a good medical examination and consideration is needed before undergoing this procedure.
The condition of hemoglobin deficiency is certainly not something that can be ignored. Therefore, it is important to recognize normal Hb levels along with the causes and ways to deal with decreased Hb levels. To find out Hb levels in the blood, you can do a hemoglobin test at a hospital, clinic or health center.
If you experience symptoms of hemoglobin deficiency (anemia) or have health problems that are at risk of causing hemoglobin deficiency, immediately go to the doctor to undergo an examination and get adequate treatment.