What Causes Low Hemoglobin?
Apr 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Physiological factors. This condition commonly occurs in specific populations—such as newborns and children—whose rapid growth and development outpace the hematopoietic capacity of their bone marrow, resulting in insufficient hemoglobin production to meet normal physiological demands. In pregnant women, blood volume progressively increases during the second and third trimesters, leading to hemodilution and consequently decreased hemoglobin concentration.
Hemoglobin—also known as hematin—is a key indicator for diagnosing anemia in most cases. A decline in hemoglobin concentration suggests that the individual is suffering from anemia. Based on the degree of hemoglobin reduction, anemia can be classified into three severity grades. What causes low hemoglobin levels?
Causes of Low Hemoglobin
Physiological factors: These typically occur in specific populations. For example, newborns and children experience rapid growth and development, but their hematopoietic systems may not yet produce sufficient red blood cells to meet increased demands, resulting in low hemoglobin levels. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, women experience a progressive increase in blood volume, leading to hemodilution and consequently reduced hemoglobin concentration. In elderly individuals, age-related decline in bone marrow function impairs red blood cell production, causing insufficient numbers of erythrocytes and hemoglobin—and thus lower hemoglobin levels.
Pathological factors: Conditions such as bone marrow disorders—which impair or abolish normal hematopoiesis—or aplastic anemia can lead to decreased red blood cell counts and subsequently reduced hemoglobin levels. Deficiencies or impaired utilization of hematopoietic substances—including iron, folate, and vitamin B12—are common causes of anemia, such as iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia.
If you observe such symptoms, seek prompt medical evaluation at a hospital. A physician will assess your individual condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. We hope this information has been helpful to you!
