Hemoglobin Level Chart and Body Iron Information
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2015/07/20 - Updated: 2024/09/20
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main
Synopsis: Information regarding high and low blood Hemoglobin levels including printable chart and list of food with high iron levels.
Why it matters: The information provided on hemoglobin levels and body iron is crucial for understanding and managing various health conditions. Hemoglobin, a key component of red blood cells, plays a vital role in oxygen transport throughout the body. The detailed chart of normal hemoglobin ranges for different age groups and genders serves as a valuable reference for healthcare professionals and individuals alike. Understanding the causes and symptoms of low and high hemoglobin levels can aid in early detection of underlying health issues, such as anemia or polycythemia. Additionally, the information on iron-rich foods and the importance of iron in maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels can help people make informed dietary choices to support their overall health and well-being - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Symptoms of Anemia Often Include:
- Fainting
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Restless legs syndrome
Main Item
Hemoglobin Level Chart
| Normal Hemoglobin Count Ranges Widely Accepted by Physicians | |
|---|---|
| Children | |
| Birth: | 13.5 to 24.0 g/dl (mean 16.5 g/dl) |
| <1 mth: | 10.0 to 20.0 g/dl (mean 13.9 g/dl) |
| 1-2 mths: | 10.0 to 18.0 g/dl (mean 11.2 g/dl) |
| 2-6 mths: | 9.5 to 14.0 g/dl (mean 12.6 g/dl) |
| 0.5 to 2 yrs: | 10.5 to 13.5 g/dl (mean 12.0 g/dl) |
| 2 to 6 yrs: | 11.5 to 13.5 g/dl (mean 12.5 g/dl) |
| 6-12 yrs: | 11.5 to 15.5 g/dl (mean 13.5) |
| Females | |
| Age 12-18 yrs: | 12.0 to 16.0 g/dl (mean 14.0 g/dl) |
| Age >18 yrs: | 12.1 to 15.1 g/dl (mean 14.0 g/dl) |
| Males | |
| 12-18 yrs: | 13.0 to 16.0 g/dl (mean 14.5 g/dl) |
| >18 yrs: | 13.6 to 17.7 g/dl (mean 15.5 g/dl) |
Low Hemoglobin Count
A slightly low hemoglobin count isn't always a sign of illness; it may be normal for some people. Women who are pregnant commonly have low hemoglobin counts. A low hemoglobin level count is generally defined as less than 13.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (135 grams per liter) of blood for men and less than 12 grams per deciliter (120 grams per liter) for women. In children, the definition varies with age and sex. Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells include:
- Cancer
- Cirrhosis
- Leukemia
- Lead poisoning
- Aplastic anemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Certain medications
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Chronic kidney disease
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid)
- Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
- Blood Loss from Bleeding (Internal or External)
Iron Levels
Iron is a mineral that's essential for making healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin. Low iron levels can cause you to feel tired, and deficient iron levels may cause damage to organs. A low blood count can be caused by not eating enough iron-rich foods, donating blood too frequently, chronic illness, or other invisible causes. The daily requirement of iron can often be achieved by taking iron supplements. Ferrous sulfate 325 mg, taken orally once a day, and by eating foods high in iron. Foods high in vitamin C also are recommended because vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Food with high iron levels includes:
- Bean Sprouts
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Chicken
- Corn
- Fish
- Green Beans
- Greens, all kinds
- Kale
- Lamb
- Lean beef
- Lima Beans
- Liver
- Mussels
- Pork
- Potatoes
- Shellfish
- Peas
- Tofu
- Tomatoes
- Turkey
- Veal
High Hemoglobin Level
High hemoglobin level is mainly due to low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia), present over a long period. Reasons for a high hemoglobin level include:
- Burns
- Dehydration
- Severe COPD
- Heavy smoking
- Polycythemia vera
- Excessive vomiting
- Living at a high altitude
- Extreme physical exercise
- Failure of the right side of the heart
- congenital disabilities of the heart, present at birth.
- Scarring or thickening of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis) and other severe lung disorders
- Rare bone marrow diseases that lead to an abnormal increase in the number of blood cells (polycythemia vera)
Hemoglobin A1c Test
The hemoglobin A1c test, also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, or glycohemoglobin, is an important blood test that shows how well your diabetes is being controlled. Hemoglobin A1c provides an average of your blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months and is used along with home blood sugar monitoring to make adjustments in your diabetes medicines.
- For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin. A1c test is between 4% and 5.6%.
- Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate an increased risk of diabetes.
- Levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes.
The goal for people with diabetes is a hemoglobin A1c of less than 7%. The higher the hemoglobin A1c, the higher the risk of developing complications related to diabetes.
Hemoglobin Level Image Charts for Printing
Chart 1
Chart 2
