Hemoglobin is a protein that plays an essential role in the body: it is present in red blood cells and binds molecular oxygen to facilitate its transport to all tissues. Each of the four polypeptide chains that make up the hemoglobin structure is tightly associated to a heme group, a chemical complex that contains a molecule of iron ion (Fe2+).
Low hemoglobin values may occur when the right amount of iron is not consumed through diet, in case of specific physiological conditions (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, childhood) or due to diseases that lead to poor intestinal absorption of iron introduced with the diet.
In adults, haemoglobin levels should be above 130 g/L for men and 120 g/L for women. When the values are lower we may be dealing with a condition of low hemoglobin or anemia. In this case, the doctor will recommend a suitable treatment to bring the values back to normal by acting to remove or treat the causes. If low hemoglobin is accompanied by an iron deficiency, iron supplementation may be suggested.
With low iron levels, blood hemoglobin values may drop due to several factors. The main factors include:
Low dietary iron intake : approximately 60-80% of the iron consumed through diet is involved in the hemoglobin and myoglobin formation process. It follows that an inadequate diet, which does not provide the right amount of iron, can lower blood hemoglobin levels.
Physiological conditions: the rapid growth of the body in the first years of life in children, or certain physiological conditions (pregnancy, breastfeeding, heavy menstruation) may lead to a reduction in blood hemoglobin values.
Intestinal malabsorption: low iron, that may be accompanied by low haemoglobin may be related to certain conditions that decrease iron absorption in the intestine.
How do you maintain normal blood hemoglobin levels?
A varied and balanced diet is the first step to ensure the right amount of iron for the body. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to address iron deficiency with a food supplement. In Canada, 38% of women of reproductive age are iron deficient.
The SiderAL® range of food supplements containing Sucrosomial® Iron can be useful when an iron deficiency needs to be addressed or when there is an increased need for iron.
