What is haemoglobin?

Haemoglobin on your report

Shown as Hb or haemoglobin, usually in g/dL. The normal range:

• depends on your age and sex
• differs a little between labs

Compare your number with the range printed on your own report.

What haemoglobin tells your doctor

When haemoglobin is low, you have anaemia, and your body gets less oxygen.

That can show up as:

• tiredness
• breathlessness on stairs
• dizziness
• headaches
• pale skin

In women, low haemoglobin often comes from low iron, heavy periods or a lack of vitamin B12 or folate.

High haemoglobin is less common and can be linked to lung or heart disease, sleep apnoea or dehydration.

What moves your haemoglobin

Food plays a big part.

Eat iron-rich foods every day, such as:

• palak, methi and bathua
• rajma, chana and dals
• ragi
• eggs, chicken or fish if you eat them

Have a vitamin C food like lemon, amla or guava in the same meal, and keep tea and coffee for between meals rather than with them.

These also help build red cells:

• B12 from milk, dahi and paneer
• folate from greens and pulses

Your doctor may advise iron if levels are low.