Understanding Iron Deficiency and Low Hemoglobin Levels

What Does Low Hemoglobin Mean?

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen through your body. If you have low hemoglobin, your blood may not be carrying enough oxygen throughout your body, which can lead to the symptoms outlined below. Iron deficiency is a common cause of low hemoglobin. If low hemoglobin levels are not addressed when discovered, it can lead to anemia. 

Symptoms include:

• Feeling very tired or weak
• Pale skin
• Feeling out of breath
• Chest pain (in severe cases)
• Cold hands or feet
• Getting dizzy or short of breath

Donors more likely to become iron deficient:

• Frequent donors
  • Females that give 1+ units of whole blood each year.
  • Males who give 2+ units of whole blood each year.
  • 6+ platelet donations
• Females prior to menopause
• Younger donors (teens)
• Active/athletic individuals
• Donors with hemoglobin levels near or below blood donation requirement standards.
  • 12.5 mg/dcL for women
  • 13.0 mg/dcL for men

Connection between Iron Deficiency and Low Hemoglobin:

Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin. If your body doesn’t have enough iron, it can’t make enough hemoglobin, which may lead to iron deficiency anemia. 

To raise your hemoglobin levels, you’ll need to increase your iron intake through food or supplements and address any other health problems that could be causing the deficiency.

Treating Iron Deficiency and Low Hemoglobin

1. Take Iron Supplements: If eating iron-rich foods isn’t enough, you may want to look into iron supplements. We recommend one pill daily of Ferronous Gluconate with 18-32 mg of elemental iron. This dosage is unlikely to cause GI symptoms and still be effective.

2. Eat More Iron-Rich Foods:
   • Red meat, chicken, or fish
   • Leafy greens like spinach
   • Beans, lentils, or tofu
   • Iron-fortified cereals and grain products
   • Note: Eating foods high in vitamin C (i.e. oranges or bell peppers) can help your body absorb iron better.
      
3. Treat Other Health Problems:  Sometimes, iron deficiency can happen because of other health problems such as food intolerances, digestive issues, etc. Treating these conditions can help fix the deficiency. If you feel anything more than diet and supplementation may be the issue, contact your doctor.

Good news is low Hemoglobin levels are often temporary!

A deferral due to low hemoglobin is usually a short-term issue. Many donors find that with dietary adjustments and adding supplements, they can quickly improve their levels. We look forward to welcoming you back soon—your donations are vital to saving lives!

Thank you for being a lifesaver!