Low Hemoglobin Causes, Symptoms and More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Hemoglobin Test.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemoglobin-test/about/pac-20385075.
• 2. 'Low Hemoglobin Count.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.
• 3. 'Iron Deficiency Anemia.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034.
• 4. 'Vitamin Deficiency Anemia.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025.
• 5. 'Hemolysis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002372.htm.
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• 7. 'Low Red Blood Cell Counts (Anemia).' American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html.
• 8. 'Iron-Deficiency Anemia.' National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.
• 9. 'Iron-Deficiency Anemia.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irondeficiency-anemia.
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Responsible for the red color of blood, hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body and brings carbon dioxide from those areas back to the lungs. Men usually have 13.5 to 17.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood, and women normally have 12.0 to 15.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter.

A low hemoglobin level indicates anemia. This condition has a variety of causes and presents with a host of symptoms, although hemoglobin levels that are slightly below normal may not cause many symptoms.¹‘Hemoglobin Test.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemoglobin-test/about/pac-20385075.^,2‘Low Hemoglobin Count.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.

1. Low Hemoglobin Levels Due to Low Red Blood Cell Production

When the body produces too few red blood cells, it's often due to the presence of a disease or condition. Cancer, chronic kidney disease, multiple myeloma, leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis are some diseases in which the body produces fewer red blood cells than normal. Hypothyroidism and lead poisoning may also cause low red blood cell production.

A diet deficient in nutrients, such as iron, folate, vitamin B-12 or vitamin C, may result in low red blood cell production in the body as well. Certain medications may impede red blood cell production, including chemotherapy drugs and the antiretroviral drugs used against HIV infection.²‘Low Hemoglobin Count.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-hemoglobin/basics/definition/sym-20050760.^,3‘Iron Deficiency Anemia.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034.^,4‘Vitamin Deficiency Anemia.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025.