What is Hb?

Hb (Hemoglobin) is a specialized protein present in red blood cells in your bloodstream, enabling the transportation of oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. One-third of red blood cells are filled with this protein. The red color of these blood cells is attributed to hemoglobin and iron. Each red blood cell contains approximately 270 million hemoglobin molecules. This totals to about 600-800 grams of hemoglobin in an adult person.

Which foods affect Hb?

Iron is necessary to produce hemoglobin. When there is insufficient iron in the body, hemoglobin production can be inadequate. Foods rich in iron include: meat (especially beef and lamb), shellfish (mussels and oysters), chicken, whole grains, legumes, nuts, dark vegetables, eggs, and meat substitutes.

Low Hb levels

When the protein hemoglobin (Hb) is too low in the blood, it results in anemia. This condition can lead to insufficient delivery of oxygen to body cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint, or becoming short of breath quickly.

High Hb levels

An elevated hemoglobin level can be hereditary, but it can also have other causes like lung disease, smoking, or residing at high altitudes. This thickens and makes the blood more viscous, thereby increasing the risk of blood vessel calcification.

Abnormal Hb

Diseases in which there is an abnormality in hemoglobin exist, for example sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder that causes, among other things, anemia. The red blood cells have a different shape; they are not round but take on the form of a sickle (or crescent). That is where the name of this disease comes from. The disease symptoms are related to anemia. People with this disease experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and/or dizziness. Additionally, their heart rate might be elevated. Treatment can involve medications or blood transfusions.

If you want to know more about your Hb or blood profile, consider booking one of our examinations: Energy&stress, Vital Organs, Total Health of PME.

Sources

• Sanquin. Wat is hemoglobine (Hb). Available at https://www.sanquin.nl/over-bloed/eiwitten/hemoglobine
• Thuisarts.nl. Ik heb bloedarmoede. Available at https://www.thuisarts.nl/bloedarmoede/ik-heb-bloedarmoede