A person’s hemoglobin levels indicate how much hemoglobin is present in their blood. Hemoglobin, also written as hemoglobin, is a complex protein found in red blood cells which helps to circulate oxygen around the body and transport carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs.¹

If a person’s levels of hemoglobin are either too low or too high, this can have a variety of consequences for one’s health.

High levels of hemoglobin are relatively rare, while low levels, a condition known as anemia, are relatively common and can occur in people of all ages, though they are especially common in pregnant women and people experiencing a range of other conditions. Treating both high and low levels of hemoglobin usually involves treatment for the underlying cause.

How are hemoglobin levels measured?

Hemoglobin is measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC), a routine test that is commonly ordered by doctors to help diagnose a range of conditions, such as infection, anemia, and leukemia.

To carry out a CBC, a blood sample – typically from a vein in the arm – first has to be taken. To measure hemoglobin, the blood will generally be combined with a liquid containing cyanide, which binds tightly to the hemoglobin molecules. By shining a light through the resulting solution (cyanmethemoglobin) and recording the amount of light that is absorbed, the levels of hemoglobin in the blood can be determined.

Normal hemoglobin ranges by age

Normal levels of hemoglobin in the blood typically depend on sex, age, and general health. Abnormally low or high levels of hemoglobin can indicate a range of health conditions, including anemia and sickle cell disease.

The hemoglobin levels chart below outlines normal hemoglobin ranges according to the World Health Organization:²

6 months to 4 years: At or above 11 g/dL
5-12 years: At or above 11.5 g/dL
12-15 years: At or above 12 g/dL
Adult male: 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL
Adult female: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL
During pregnancy: At or above 11g/dL

Low hemoglobin levels

Having abnormally low levels of hemoglobin generally results in a condition known as anemia. In some cases, this is associated with sickle cell disease, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia.

Anemia

Anemia, also written as anemia, is the general name for a condition where the body either cannot make enough healthy red blood cells and/or has too little hemoglobin, the substance that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body.

Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause hemoglobin to be abnormally shaped and red blood cells to break down more easily than normal. Sickle cell disease is acquired genetically.

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is one of the main subtypes of sickle cell disease.

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that affects the production and function of hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to break down more easily than normal. The condition may be mild or severe.

Low hemoglobin levels in pregnancy

Mild anemia is normal during pregnancy. When pregnant, the amount of blood produced by the body increases by up to 30 percent, meaning that the body requires more iron to produce sufficient hemoglobin. If the body does not receive a sufficient amount of iron to do this, anemia can result. This is especially common in the second and third trimesters.³

Preventing anemia during pregnancy

Eating a diet containing large amounts of iron-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, cereals, eggs, lentils, beans, peas, flaxseeds, and nuts, is a good way of increasing hemoglobin levels and preventing anemia during pregnancy.

Doctors will also generally suggest over-the-counter supplements or prescribe iron supplements to ensure an individual is consuming the recommended daily amount of iron, i.e. around 27 mg.⁴ Some juices made of highly-concentrated fruit extracts contain high levels of iron, so not all doctors will find it necessary to prescribe supplements.

High hemoglobin levels

High levels of hemoglobin can occur due to several underlying conditions and certain environmental/lifestyle factors, many of which function to lower the level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia), causing the body to produce elevated levels of hemoglobin.

High levels of hemoglobin are relatively rare compared to low levels. Factors that can cause high hemoglobin levels include:⁵

Using tobacco products. Research suggests that tobacco has the effect of raising hemoglobin levels in the blood.
Living at high altitudes
Dehydration
Bone marrow disorders (polycythemia vera)
Heart problems
Lung problems, such as emphysema
Anabolic steroid abuse

Symptoms of high hemoglobin levels

Due to its rarity, high levels of hemoglobin may, in many cases, only be detected by chance or after symptoms have already begun to present themselves. High hemoglobin levels may often be indicated by the presence of symptoms related to the causal underlying condition.

Experiencing high levels of hemoglobin can indicate a serious underlying condition, and urgent medical assistance should be sought.

Treatment for high hemoglobin levels

Treatment for high levels of hemoglobin depends upon the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or more complex treatment methods to manage heart problems, for example.

Hemoglobin levels FAQs

Q: What are normal hemoglobin levels in infants?
A: Normal hemoglobin levels in infants are as follows:⁶

0-1 month: 13.3 – 19.9 gm/dL
1-2 months: 10.7-17.1 gm/dL
2-3 months 9.0-14.1 gm/dL
3-6 months: 9.5-14.1 gm/dL
6 months-1 year: 11.3-14.1 gm/dL

These ranges have been calculated using a range of medical sources. Normal hemoglobin ranges typically differ between laboratories, however, meaning some sources may differ from the levels stated here.

Q: What are normal hemoglobin levels in children and adults?
A: Hemoglobin levels differ according to age, sex, and general health. Normal ranges are as follows:⁷

Children: 11-13 gm/dL
Adult males: 14-18 gm/dL
Adult women: 12-16 gm/dL
Older men: 12.4-14.9 gm/dL
Older women: 11.7-13.8 gm/dL

Normal hemoglobin ranges typically differ between laboratories, meaning the ranges stated here may be slightly different from those stated elsewhere.

Q: How can I increase my hemoglobin levels?
A: Various minerals and vitamins can help to increase one’s, hemoglobin count. These include iron, vitamin B6, vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B12, and vitamin C. People with low hemoglobin levels may be prescribed supplements of one or more of these to help the body to produce more of the protein. Alternatively, various foodstuffs also contain these vitamins and minerals.

Foods that may help to increase hemoglobin levels include:⁸

Iron: Egg, cereals, green leafy vegetables, beans, meat and seafood
Vitamin B6: Meat, fish, vegetables, nuts and seeds
Vitamin B9 (folic acid): Green leafy vegetables, beans and fruits
Vitamin B12: Fish, meat and dairy
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, broccoli, potatoes and tomatoes

When hemoglobin levels are severely low, a blood transfusion will typically be carried out to rapidly bring up an individual’s hemoglobin levels.

Q: What are dangerously low hemoglobin levels?
A: When hemoglobin levels become dangerously low, a blood transfusion will normally be required. The point at which a blood transfusion may be required varies between people, as the same level of hemoglobin can cause different symptoms or dangers in different people. General health, age, sex, and other factors will always be taken into consideration when deciding whether an individual requires a blood transfusion.⁹

According to the American Association of Blood Banks, a hemoglobin level of 7 m/dL or below should indicate the need for a blood transfusion in people who are otherwise medically stable. For those undergoing orthopedic or cardiac surgery, or for those with a preexisting cardiovascular condition, the threshold for blood transfusion should be a hemoglobin count of 8 m/dL or below.

Q: Can the use of tobacco products affect hemoglobin levels?
A: Research suggests that tobacco has the effect of raising hemoglobin levels in the blood.¹⁰ People who consume tobacco products, in particular people who smoke,´ and who are experiencing high levels of hemoglobin, will be advised to quit the habit by medical professionals.

Q: Why are hemoglobin levels lower in females than in males?
A: Menstruation is the key reason why hemoglobin levels are, on average, lower in females than in males. Menstruation leads to loss of iron, which in turn contributes to lowering the levels of hemoglobin in the blood. This is why hemoglobin levels in pre-menstruation and post-menopausal women are generally similar to those of men.¹¹

Q: Why do infants have high hemoglobin levels?
A: Newborn babies typically have higher hemoglobin levels than older children and adults. The developing body of a baby consumes an elevated amount of oxygen, roughly three times that of adults based on weight, which in turn increases the need for hemoglobin. A hemoglobin count of 15 gm/dL is considered optimum for newborn babies.¹²

Q: What is hemoglobin A1c?
A: Hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c, refers to glycated hemoglobin. It is produced when red blood cells join with glucose in the blood. Measuring HbA1c gives doctors an idea of a person’s overall glucose levels for weeks or months. This measurement is important for people with diabetes, as high A1c levels may indicate a higher chance of developing diabetes-related complications.¹³

MedicineNet. “Hemoglobin.” April 11, 2015. Accessed November 13, 2017. ↩
Livestrong. “What Is a Healthy Hemoglobin Level.” August 14, 2017. Accessed November 6, 2017 ↩
American Society of Hematology. “Anemia and Pregnancy.” Accessed November 17, 2017. ↩
American Society of Hematology. “Anemia and Pregnancy.” Accessed November 17, 2017. ↩
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “How Are Thalassemias Treated?” July 3, 2012. Accessed November 17, 2017. ↩
Tandurust. “Causes of High Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms & Treatment Options.” October 7, 2015. Accessed November 17, 2017. ↩
Health Care. “Pediatric Reference Ranges” Accessed November 17, 2017. ↩
MD Health. “How to Increase Your Hemoglobin Level.” Accessed November 17, 2017. ↩
The JAMMA Network. “Clinical Practice Guidelines From the AABB Red Blood Cell Transfusion Thresholds and Storage.” November 15, 2016. Accessed November 17, 2017. ↩
Semantics Scholar. “Effect of smoking on Red Blood Cells Count, Hemoglobin Concentration and Red Cell indices.” June, 2014. Accessed November 20, 2017. ↩
NCBI. “Why should women have lower reference limits for haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations than men?” June 2, 2001. Accessed November 8, 2018. ↩
NCBI. “[The critical hemoglobin value in newborn infants, infants and children].” 1992. Accessed November 20, 2017. ↩
Diabetes. “Guide to HbA1c.” Accessed November 6, 2018. ↩

**Q1. What is Hemoglobin and ⁢What is its ‌Role?**

**A:** Hemoglobin is ⁤an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that **binds to oxygen** and **transports ⁢it throughout the body**. It allows oxygen to reach tissues and organs, ‌while carrying away carbon dioxide as a waste product.

**Q2. What are Normal Hemoglobin Levels?**

**A:** Normal hemoglobin levels vary depending on gender, age, and pregnancy‍ status:

* **Men:** 13.2-16.6⁤ grams per deciliter ‍(g/dL)

* **Women:** 11.6-15.5 g/dL

* **Children:** Slightly lower⁤ than⁣ adults

* **Pregnancy:** Levels may‌ decrease due to increased blood volume

**Q3. What Causes Low‍ Hemoglobin⁣ Levels (Anemia)?**

**A:** Causes ⁢of anemia include:

* **Iron deficiency**

* ⁣**Vitamin B12 deficiency**

* **Chronic diseases‍ (e.g., kidney disease, cancer)**

* **Bone⁤ marrow disorders**

* **Heavy menstrual bleeding**

* **Certain medications**

**Q4. What Causes High Hemoglobin⁢ Levels (Polycythemia)?**

**A:** ⁤Causes of polycythemia⁢ include:

* **Smoking**

* **Living at high ⁣altitudes**

* **Certain heart ‍and lung conditions**

* **Bone ‍marrow disorders**

* **Dehydration**

**Q5. What are the ⁤Symptoms ‌of Abnormal Hemoglobin Levels?**

**A:** Symptoms ⁢of ⁣anemia may ⁣include:

* Fatigue

* Weakness

* Pale skin

*⁤ Shortness of breath

*⁣ Headaches

Symptoms of polycythemia may include:

* Headaches

* Dizziness

* Itching

*‍ Visual ⁤disturbances

**Q6. How are Hemoglobin Levels Tested?**

**A:** Hemoglobin levels are usually‌ measured as part ‌of⁢ a **complete blood count (CBC)** test. This test involves a blood draw and is typically performed ⁤in a doctor’s‌ office or lab.

**Q7. How to Improve Hemoglobin Levels?**

**A:** Improving hemoglobin levels depends on the underlying cause:

* **Iron deficiency:** Iron supplements or iron-rich foods

* **Vitamin ⁢B12 ⁣deficiency:** Vitamin⁢ B12 supplements

* **Chronic diseases:** Treatment of the underlying⁣ condition

* **Heavy menstrual bleeding:** Hormonal birth‍ control or medications

**Q8. When ⁢to⁣ Seek Medical Advice for Hemoglobin Level Concerns**

**A:** Seek medical advice‌ if you have persistent:

* Fatigue

* Weakness

* Unexplained weight loss

* Heart palpitations

Hemoglobin levels

How are hemoglobin levels measured?

Normal hemoglobin ranges by age