Hemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

If it's high

Can be seen with dehydration, smoking, living at altitude, or conditions that make extra red cells.

• Enough water through the day

If it's low

Often called anaemia. Common causes include low iron, B12 or folate, blood loss, or long-term illness.

• Iron-rich foods: spinach and other greens, lentils, rajma, chana, soya, eggs, fish or lean meat
• Vitamin C with meals (amla, guava, orange, lemon) to help absorb iron

A question for your doctor

If it is low, could iron, B12 or folate levels explain it?

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