In the decoding of the general blood test, there is an indicator that reflects the level of hemoglobin, denoted by Hb. What does this mean? Hemoglobin plays a very significant role in the body. For any deviations from the norm, measures must be taken, because a person’s life depends on its level. In this article we will analyze in more detail what hemoglobin should be for men. The content of this "oxygen protein" in the strong half differs from that in women.
What role does hemoglobin play in the body?
Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells. In fact, it is an iron-containing protein that has the ability to bind to oxygen, which allows you to bring O 2 to all body tissues and remove CO 2 . This process is the most important in the body. Hemoglobin, supplying the brain and all organs with oxygen, ensures normal functioning in general.
The main functions of hemoglobin in the blood:
- Transport. Supply of tissues and organs with oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide from the human body.
- Support for optimal Ph levels in the body. Iron, which is part of hemoglobin, neutralizes acids.
- The relationship of the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. They should be in equal proportion. The saturation of the color of blood directly depends on the iron content. When the blood is of a liquid consistency, scarlet - this indicates a decrease in hemoglobin and vice versa, if the color is dark, the blood is thick - this is evidence of an increased level of Hb.
To assess the level of hemoglobin, there are certain standards. What should be hemoglobin in men? On average 132-170 g / l. In women, this indicator is lower - normally from 112 to 157 g / l.
Hemoglobin in the blood in men
Why are men hemoglobin levels an order of magnitude higher than women? The answer is simple. The presence of testosterone in the male body requires additional oxygen, it is it that feeds all cells with additional loads, which often occur in the strong half in the process of life. Usually men suffer more severe physical exertion, as established by nature, and therefore their oxygen demand is higher. However, the level of such a vital blood component as hemoglobin depends not only on gender. The norm in men by age (the table lists these indicators) is also different.
Age years | The norm of hemoglobin g / l |
10–13 | 120-150 |
13–16 | 120-160 |
16-18 | 118–154 |
18–45 | 135–175 |
45–66 | 132–173 |
> 66 | 127–175 |
To know the level of hemoglobin is possible only through laboratory tests, having passed a general blood test. The death of old cells and the emergence of new ones is a continuous process. So, in one hour, a billion cells die in the blood of a person and are born again. There is a direct relationship between the number of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin in the blood. In the event that, for some reason, more red blood cells are produced, there is an increase in hemoglobin, and vice versa. Many factors influence this, including a person’s lifestyle and poor nutrition.
Thinking about what hemoglobin should be for mature men? Normally, it should not be less than 130 g / l, but also not exceed 170 g / l. Over the years, this indicator begins to change in a smaller direction. With the extinction of testosterone levels, the amount of hemoglobin also decreases. If the indicators do not correspond to those given in the table by age by + -5 units, it is necessary to consult a doctor about the reasons and start treatment.
Low hemoglobin
We figured out what should be the normal hemoglobin in men. If the numbers are below, why does this happen? Hemoglobin in the male body can decrease for a number of reasons, here are the main ones:
- Lack of iron in the body. This can happen with an unbalanced diet, exclusion from the diet of meat dishes, their lack, transition to vegetarianism.
- Excess or lack of vitamins. And here the root cause is malnutrition, poor in vitamins, nutrients and trace elements. It is worth noting that an overdose of vitamin C can lead to the fact that the body will not absorb vitamin B 12 . It also negatively affects the body as a whole.
- Chronic forms of intestinal inflammation. With a violation of the structure of the tissues of the digestive tract, iron absorption is impaired.
- Various infections in which the breakdown of blood cells occurs.
- Great blood loss during operations, injuries.
- Bad habits - smoking, alcoholism.
The presence of anemia can be determined by the following symptoms: pale dull skin, increased fatigue, dizziness, rapid pulse, hair loss.
How to increase blood hemoglobin
You have passed a hemoglobin blood test. The norm for men by age (the table will help you with this) is determined. If the rate is below normal, the doctor will prescribe treatment to increase the level of Hb. Anemia is not only treated with iron medications, a competent nutritionist should make the right diet for you. From the products we get two types of iron: heme (animal origin), it is absorbed in the body by 30% and non-heme (plant), assimilation is only 7%. What will a nutritionist advise to include in his daily menu for the body to receive iron? Prunes, dried apricots, cereal granola, freshly squeezed juices, fresh herbs, buckwheat, oatmeal, Borodino bread and, of course, red meat and liver.
However, obtaining pure iron will not be the key to treating anemia in men, it takes a long time. It is necessary to use vitamins that will contribute to the absorption of iron. Important for this group of vitamins C, B (especially B 12 ). Each meal should be completed with a slice of apple or pomegranate. Exclude from the diet products that delay the absorption of iron - these are chocolate, coffee, sour-milk drinks, hard cheese, condensed milk, butter bread.
What is the danger of increased hemoglobin
With low levels of Hb, we figured out, and what does the increased hemoglobin in men mean? The following factors can serve as reasons for deviations from the norm to a large extent:
- Heavy physical exertion or intense training.
- Tumor.
- Smoking.
- Failures in the cardiovascular system.
- Bowel obstruction.
- Diabetes.
Symptoms of increased hemoglobin: general lethargy, impaired vision, pallor of the skin, lack of appetite, inflammation of the genitourinary system. Subsequently, elevated hemoglobin levels can lead to high pressure changes, problems with the cardiovascular system, and blood clots.
When elevated hemoglobin is not an abnormality
Knowing what is the normal hemoglobin level in men, and at the same time having discovered inflated numbers, you should not immediately panic. In some cases, this is considered the norm.
- For climbers, hemoglobin always exceeds the norm of 170 g / l. This is directly related to their professional activities.
- In mountain dwellers, hemoglobin is always elevated, since they are constantly saturated with oxygen.
- During intensive sports, a greater amount of O 2 muscles is needed, therefore, the level of hemoglobin in the blood rises.