It’s All About Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is an important part of the red blood cells in your body. It is what enables the blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to your brain and other organs and tissues. If you are anemic, it means that there is too little hemoglobin in your blood, and that your organs are not getting the amount of oxygen they need to function properly.

The Most Common Cause of Anemia

Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, and a lack of iron in the blood is the most common cause of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia affects more than 1 1/2 billion people in the world. Within the United States, more than 6 million women of reproductive age are iron deficient and over 3 million have iron deficiency anemia. Of the approximately 4 million women who give birth each year, about 2 million become iron deficient, and more than 1 million end up suffering from postpartum (after delivery) anemia.

Other Causes of Anemia Include:

• A lack of folic acid, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12
• Chronic diseases, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease
• Certain types of hereditary conditions, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia

What’s the Right Amount of Hemoglobin?

Men and women have different needs when it comes to hemoglobin. In the chart below, you can see the levels of hemoglobin that are considered normal.

Hemoglobin can be measured in two ways: by looking at the number of grams per deciliter (g/dL) or by looking at the percentage of red blood cells in a sample of blood (hematocrit).

Check out the “Could I Be Anemic?” Questionnaire, and share your results with your healthcare professional.