Hemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of all vertebrates as well as the tissues of some invertebrates. Hemoglobin in the blood carries oxygen from the lungs or gills to the rest of the body (i.e. the tissues). There it releases the oxygen to permit aerobic respiration to provide energy to power the functions of the organism in the process called metabolism. A healthy individual has “12 to 16” grams of haemoglobin in every 100 ml of blood.
In healthy men the protein makes up about 96% of the red blood cells’ dry content (by weight), and around 35% of the total content (including water). Hemoglobin has an oxygen-binding capacity of 1.34 mL O2 per gram which increases the total blood oxygen capacity seventy-fold compared to dissolved oxygen in blood. The mammalian hemoglobin molecule can bind (carry) up to four oxygen molecules.
Types of Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin variants are a part of the normal embryonic and fetal development. They may also be pathologic mutant forms of hemoglobin in a population, caused by variations in genetics. Some well-known hemoglobin variants, such as sickle-cell anemia, are responsible for diseases and are considered hemoglobinopathies. Other variants cause no detectable pathology, and are thus considered non-pathological variants.
In the embryo
- Gower 1 (ζ2ε2)
- Gower 2 (α2ε2)
- Hemoglobin Portland I (ζ2γ2)
- Hemoglobin Portland II (ζ2β2).
In the fetus:
- Hemoglobin F (α2γ2)
After birth
- Hemoglobin A (α2β2) (PDB: 1BZ0 ) – The most common with a normal amount over 95%
- Hemoglobin A2 (α2δ2) – δ chain synthesis begins late in the third trimester and, in adults, it has a normal range of 1.5–3.5%
- Hemoglobin F (α2γ2) – In adults Hemoglobin F is restricted to a limited population of red cells called F-cells. However, the level of Hb F can be elevated in persons with sickle-cell disease and beta-thalassemia.
- Hemoglobin D-Punjab – (α2βD2) – A variant form of hemoglobin.
- Hemoglobin H (β4) – A variant form of hemoglobin, formed by a tetramer of β chains, which may be present in variants of α thalassemia.
- Hemoglobin Barts (γ4) – A variant form of hemoglobin, formed by a tetramer of γ chains, which may be present in variants of α thalassemia.
- Hemoglobin S (α2βS2) – A variant form of hemoglobin found in people with sickle cell disease. There is a variation in the β-chain gene, causing a change in the properties of hemoglobin, which results in sickling of red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin C (α2βC2) – Another variant due to a variation in the β-chain gene. This variant causes a mild chronic hemolytic anemia.
- Hemoglobin E (α2βE2) – Another variant due to a variation in the β-chain gene. This variant causes a mild chronic hemolytic anemia.
- Hemoglobin AS – A heterozygous form causing sickle cell trait with one adult gene and one sickle cell disease gene
- Hemoglobin SC disease – A compound heterozygous form with one sickle gene and another encoding Hemoglobin C.
- Hemoglobin Hopkins-2 – A variant form of hemoglobin that is sometimes viewed in combination with Hemoglobin S to produce sickle cell disease.
Hemoglobin is involved in the transport of other gases: It carries some of the body’s respiratory carbon dioxide (about 20–25% of the total) as carbaminohemoglobin, in which CO2 is bound to the globin protein. The molecule also carries the important regulatory molecule nitric oxide bound to a globin protein thiol group, releasing it at the same time as oxygen.
How amount needed of Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is also found outside red blood cells and their progenitor lines. Other cells that contain hemoglobin include the A9 dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, macrophages, alveolar cells, lungs, retinal pigment epithelium, hepatocytes, mesangial cells in the kidney, endometrial cells, cervical cells and vaginal epithelial cells.In these tissues, hemoglobin has a non-oxygen-carrying function as an antioxidant and a regulator of iron metabolism.
Hemoglobin concentration measurement is among the most commonly performed blood tests, usually as part of a complete blood count. For example, it is typically tested before or after blood donation. Results are reported in g/L, g/dL or mol/L. 1 g/dL equals about 0.6206 mmol/L, although the latter units are not used as often due to uncertainty regarding the polymeric state of the molecule. This conversion factor, using the single globin unit molecular weight of 16,000 Da, is more common for hemoglobin concentration in blood. For MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) the conversion factor 0.155, which uses the tetramer weight of 64,500 Da, is more common.Normal levels are:
- Men: 13.8 to 18.0 g/dL (138 to 180 g/L, or 8.56 to 11.17 mmol/L)
- Women: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL (121 to 151 g/L, or 7.51 to 9.37 mmol/L)
- Children: 11 to 16 g/dL (110 to 160 g/L, or 6.83 to 9.93 mmol/L)
- Pregnant women: 11 to 14 g/dL (110 to 140 g/L, or 6.83 to 8.69 mmol/L) (9.5 to 15 usual value during pregnancy)
Normal values of hemoglobin in the 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnant women must be at least 11 g/dL and at least 10.5 g/dL during the 2nd trimester.
Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein present in red blood cells. This protein is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.Its main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues, so that living cells can perform properly. Hemoglobin also helps carry carbon dioxide away from the cells and transport it back to the lungs.
10 Iron-Rich Fruits to Boost Haemoglobin Levels
|
Fruit
|
Amount per 100 g
|
|---|---|
|
1. Sun-dried tomatoes
|
9.1 mg
|
|
2. Apricots, dehydrated
|
6.3 mg
|
|
3. Raisins
|
3 mg
|
|
4. Persimmons, raw
|
2.5 mg
|
|
5. Mulberries, raw
|
1.7 mg
|
|
6. Dates
|
1 mg
|
|
7. Currants
|
1 mg
|
|
8. Prunes
|
0.9 mg
|
|
9. Pomegranate
|
0.3 mg
|
|
10. Watermelon
|
0.2 mg
|
Way to Increase Your Hemoglobin Level
- Beans/Legumes
- Lentils
- Green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach
- Dried fruits including prunes
- Organs meats such as liver
- Egg yolks
- Red meat
- Dried raisins
- If daily consumption of iron rich food daily is not enough, you can turn for supplements and minerals that may increase red blood production. Iron is available in 50-100mg and can be taken 2-3 times daily.
Taro leaves contains iron
Iron is an indispensible mineral to human beings because it plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells and in the transport of oxygen to the different parts of your body. Eating foods rich in iron, such as taro leaves is therefore important as a deficiency of iron can lead to anemia, tiredness and fatigue.
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 177 kJ (42 kcal) |
|
Carbohydrates
|
6.7 g
|
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Dietary fiber | 3.7 g |
| Iron | |
|
Fat
|
0.74 g
|
|
Protein
|
5 g
|
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A equiv.
beta-carotene
lutein zeaxanthin
|
(30%)
241 μg (27%)
2895 μg 1932 μg
|
| Thiamine (B1) |
(18%)
0.209 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) |
(38%)
0.456 mg |
| Niacin (B3) |
(10%)
1.513 mg |
| Vitamin B6 |
(11%)
0.146 mg |
| Folate (B9) |
(32%)
126 μg |
| Vitamin C |
(63%)
52 mg |
| Vitamin E |
(13%)
2.02 mg |
| Vitamin K |
(103%)
108.6 μg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium |
(11%)
107 mg |
| Iron |
(17%)
2.25 mg |
| Magnesium |
(13%)
45 mg |
| Manganese |
(34%)
0.714 mg |
| Phosphorus |
(9%)
60 mg |
| Potassium |
(14%)
648 mg |
| Zinc |
(4%
|
Banana
The best source of iron is bananas. It also acts as antioxidants. An antioxidant is a molecule that prevents the body from damage. It inhibits the oxidation of other harmful molecules. Found in the food we eat, bananas are a great source of several natural antioxidants. Specifically dopamine and catechins, these antioxidants can reduce the risk of degenerative diseases and heart disease. In fact, most fruits and vegetables are a wonderful source of dietary antioxidants; but bananas are high on the list. Eating a banana a day can only benefit your health, in more ways than one.
Increase Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C helps to absorbed iron directly. Because without vitamin C iron is not absorbed.“It is important to have a combination of both iron and vitamin C as the latter is a carrier rich molecule that can be used for better absorption of iron
Increase Folic Acid Intake
“Folic acid, a B-complex vitamin, is required to make red blood cells and a folic acid deficiency automatically leads to a low level of hemoglobin”, says Dr. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital. Some good food sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables, sprouts, dried beans, wheat germ, peanuts, bananas, broccoli, and chicken liver. “Beetroot is also highly recommended to increase the body’s red blood cell count as it is high in folic acid as well as iron, potassium, and fiber”, says Nutritionist and Dietician Sheela Krishnaswamy.
An Apple (or Pomegranate) a Day Keeps The Doctor Away
An apple a day can help maintain a normal level of hemoglobin since apples are rich in iron plus other health-friendly components that are required for a healthy hemoglobin count. You can either eat 1 apple a day or drink juice made with ½ cup each of apple and beetroot juice twice a day. Add a dash of ginger or lemon juice for extra flavor. “Pomegranate is also rich in iron, calcium, fiber, and protein. Its nutritional value can help increase hemoglobin and promote healthy blood flow”, says Dr. Jaibharat.
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Drink Nettle Tea
“Nettle is a herb that is a good source of B vitamins, iron, vitamin C and can play a key role in raising your hemoglobin level”, says Dr. Adarsh Kumar, Internal Medicine, National Heart Institute. All you need to do, is add 2 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves to a cup of hot water and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Then strain, and add a little honey. Drink this twice daily.
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Beetroot
It is rich in iron, a protein required to increase blood cells and improve blood flow. It is a natural detoxifier and blood purifier. So, include beetroot in your diet to improve blood count. Beetroot leaves are a good source of vitamin A and the roots of the beets are an excellent source of vitamin C.
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Green Leaves
Vegetables such as spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage, turnip, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, and sweet potatoes are healthy for the body. You control your weight gain and also improve blood count. Green leafy vegetables also keep the digestive system active.
Almonds
This nut is rich in iron and increases blood flow in the body. One ounce of almonds every day covers 6% of the daily iron requirement.
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Red Meat
Red meat is one of the best sources of iron and vitamin B12. Having red meat in considerable amount helps in increasing the blood count.
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Fenugreek
Rich in iron content, potassium and calcium, fenugreek helps in building up the red blood cells and increases the blood count.
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Asparagus
Rich in vitamin K and also iron, asparagus helps in increasing the blood count. Make it a point to include 1-2 stalks of asparagus in your diet.
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Dates
Dates are not just rich in iron content but it they contain potassium, calcium and other essential nutrients that helps in increasing the blood count.
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Oysters
Oysters are rich in zinc. Consuming zinc containing foods help in boosting the immune system and also increases the blood count.
Potatoes
Rich in vitamin A, consumption of potatoes helps in increasing the blood count. Also one should note that potatoes should be consumed in moderation, excess consumption can cause some other problem.
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Figs
Figs are rich in iron content and fiber. Make it a point to have about 3-4 dried figs every day if your blood count is low. This will help increase the blood count quickly.
Raisins
Raisins are one of the best dry fruits that are rich in iron content. Eating about 10-15 pieces of raisins everyday helps in increasing the blood count.
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Apricots
Apricots is one one of the best fruits that are rich in iron. Add a small bowl of apricots to your daily diet, this helps in increasing the blood count.
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Watermelon
Watermelon not just helps in quenching your thirst but is also helps in increasing the blood count. Rich in iron, vitamin C, vitamin B, watermelon also helps in increasing the stamina.
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Apples
Apples are rich in iron and fiber content. Having one apple a day helps in maintaining the blood count and prevents anemia as well.
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Grapes
Grapes are rich in iron and vitamin B12. Consuming a bowl of grapes help in increasing the blood count.
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Prunes
Rich in iron content and other essential nutrients, prunes helps in maintaining the blood count and prevents anaemia.
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Egg yolk
Take 1-2 egg yolks. Add it to a cup of boiled milk. Mix it well and then drink it. If you do not like the taste add about a teaspoon of sugar, blend it well and then drink. Rich in iron content, egg yolk helps in increasing the blood count.
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Legumes/Beans
Adding legumes to your daily diet helps in increasing the iron level and thereby blood count. However, those of you who have gastritis problem should be little careful and make it a point to have not more than three times a week.
Avoid Iron Blockers
Avoid eating foods that can block your body’s ability to absorb iron, especially if you have a low hemoglobin count i.e. coffee, tea, coca – cola drinks, wine, beer, etc.
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References
