Low On Haemoglobin? Expert Explains Role Of Haemoglobin And What Causes Its Deficiency?

Causes Of Haemoglobin Deficiency: Haemoglobin is a crucial protein molecule found in our red blood cells. Red blood cells are exquisitely designed to do one job: deliver oxygen around your body, required for our brain to function and our heart to beat. Under normal circumstances, this is a perfectly orchestrated job that follows the theme of life, the old gives way to the new. Each red blood cell survives for about 4 months and is disposed of once they are too battered to go on.

Haemoglobin consists of four protein subunits, each containing an iron-rich compound known as heme. When blood passes through the lungs, haemoglobin binds to oxygen molecules to form oxyhemoglobin, which gives blood its red colour. As blood circulates, oxyhemoglobin releases oxygen to the tissues and reverts to deoxyhemoglobin, which transports carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

Watch the video below for symptoms of anaemia: 

In a conversation with Dr Madhav Danthala, Consultant Hemato-Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, Jagran English explored the role and causes of haemoglobin deficiency.

Causes of Haemoglobin Deficiency

According to Dr Danthala, anaemia, or haemoglobin deficiency can be caused by various factors. Iron deficiency is the most common cause since iron is an essential part of haemoglobin. A diet lacking in iron-rich foods, or a body not absorbing iron effectively, can result in iron-deficiency anaemia. Other causes include deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folate, as well as chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis that can disrupt red blood cell production. Genetic conditions such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassemia can also lead to a haemoglobin deficiency. Furthermore, excessive bleeding due to injury, surgery, or gastrointestinal conditions can cause anaemia.

Causes Of Haemoglobin Deficiency (Image Credits: Freepik)

Implications of Haemoglobin Deficiency

Dr Danthala explains that the primary function of haemoglobin is to ensure that all body tissues have a sufficient oxygen supply for their metabolic needs. When there's a deficiency, tissues and organs won't get the oxygen they need to function effectively, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeats, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, prolonged haemoglobin deficiency can lead to severe complications, including organ damage, heart failure, and, in extreme cases, death.

Haemoglobin is vital for our body's functioning. While deficiencies can have multiple causes, most are preventable or manageable through a balanced diet, supplements, and treating underlying conditions. Regular health check-ups help detect deficiencies early for effective management.