What should hemoglobin be in men? The norm of hemoglobin in men by age

In deciphering the general blood test there is an indicator reflecting the level of hemoglobin, denoted Hb. What does this mean? Hemoglobin plays a very significant role in the body's work. With any deviation from the norm, it is necessary to take measures, because the human life depends on its level. In this article, let us analyze in more detail what hemoglobin should be in men. The content of this "oxygen protein" in the strong half is different from that in women.

What role does the hemoglobin play in the body?

Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells. In fact, it is an iron-containing protein that has the ability to bind to oxygen, which allows you to deliver O ₂ to all tissues of the body and to remove CO ₂ . This process is the most important in the body. Hemoglobin, supplying the brain and all organs with oxygen, provides normal vital activity in general.

The main functions of hemoglobin are:

• Transport. Supplying tissues and organs with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the human body.
• Support the optimal level of Ph in the body. Iron, which is part of hemoglobin, neutralizes acids.
• The relationship between the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin. They should be in equal ratio. The saturation of the color of blood directly depends on the iron content. When the blood of a liquid consistency, scarlet - it speaks of a decreased hemoglobin and vice versa, if the color is dark, the blood is thick - this is evidence of an elevated Hb level.

To assess the level of hemoglobin, there are certain standards. What should hemoglobin be in men? Average 132-170 g / l. In women, this indicator is lower - normally from 112 to 157 g / l.

Hemoglobin in the blood of men

Why do men have a hemoglobin level that is an order of magnitude higher than that of women? The answer is simple. The presence of testosterone in the male body requires additional oxygen, it is it that fuels all cells under additional loads, which often occur in the strong half in the process of vital activity. Usually men suffer heavier physical exertion, so it is established by nature, therefore, they need higher oxygen. However, not only does the level of such a vital component of blood as hemoglobin depend on the sex. The norm in men by age (the table cites these indicators) is also different.

To know the level of hemoglobin can only be done by laboratory tests, after giving a general blood test. The dying out of old cells and the appearance of new cells is an ongoing process. So, for an hour a billion cells die in the blood of a person and are born again. There is a direct relationship between the number of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin of the blood. In the event that, for some reason, the erythrocytes are produced more, an increase in hemoglobin occurs, and vice versa. Many factors influence this, including the person's lifestyle, malnutrition.

Think about what hemoglobin should be in men of mature age? Normally, it should not be less than 130 g / l, but not exceed 170 g / l. Over the years, this indicator begins to change in a smaller direction. With the extinction of testosterone levels, the amount of hemoglobin decreases. If the indicators do not correspond to those listed in the age table by + -5 units, you should consult the doctor about the reasons and start treatment.

Low hemoglobin

We figured out what hemoglobin should be in men's norm. If the figures are lower than the above, why does it happen? Decrease hemoglobin in the male body can for a number of reasons, here are the main:

• Lack of iron in the body. This can happen with an unbalanced diet, the exclusion from the diet of meat dishes, their lack, the transition to vegetarianism
• Excess or lack of vitamins. And here the root cause is malnutrition, poor in vitamins, beneficial substances and trace elements. It is worth noting that an overdose of vitamin C can lead to the fact that the body will not absorb vitamin B ₁₂ . This also has a negative effect on the body as a whole.
• Chronic forms of inflammation of the intestine. When the structure of the tissues of the digestive tract is disturbed, the absorption of iron is impaired.
• Various infections in which the disintegration of blood cells occurs.
• Large blood loss during surgery, trauma.
• Bad habits-smoking, alcoholism.

Determine the presence of anemia can be on the following symptoms: pale dull skin, increased fatigue, dizziness, rapid pulse, hair loss.

How to increase blood hemoglobin

You have passed a blood test for hemoglobin. The norm in men by age (the table will help you with this) is defined. If the score is below normal, the doctor will prescribe treatment to increase the level of Hb. Treatment of anemia is not only through the intake of iron medicines, a competent nutritionist should make you the right diet. Of the products we get iron of two types: heme (animal origin), it is absorbed in the body by 30% and non-heme (plant), digestion is only 7%. What will the dietician advise to include in his daily menu for getting the body iron? Prunes, dried apricots, cereal muesli, freshly squeezed juices, fresh greens, buckwheat, oatmeal, "Borodino" bread and, of course, red meat and liver.

However, the production of pure iron will not be the key to the treatment of anemia in men, it lasts for a long time. It is necessary to use vitamins, which will promote the assimilation of iron. Important for this group of vitamins C, B (especially B ₁₂ ). Each meal should be completed with a slice of apple or pomegranate. Exclude from the diet products that delay the absorption of iron - this is chocolate, coffee, sour milk drinks, hard cheese, condensed milk, bread.

What is dangerous is increased hemoglobin

With a low level of Hb, we figured out, and what does elevated hemoglobin mean in men? The following factors may serve as the reasons for the deviation from the norm:

• Heavy physical activity or intensive training.
• Tumor.
• Smoking.
• Failures in the cardiovascular system.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Diabetes.

Symptoms of increased hemoglobin: general lethargy, impaired vision, pale skin, lack of appetite, inflammation of the urogenital system. Subsequently, elevated levels of hemoglobin can lead to a change in pressure in the higher side, to problems with the cardiovascular system, the formation of blood clots.

When elevated hemoglobin is not a deviation

Knowing what a normal level of hemoglobin in men, and at the same time finding yourself in an inflated figure, you should not immediately panic. In some cases, this is considered the norm.

• In climbers, hemoglobin always exceeds the norm of 170 g / l. This is directly related to their professional activities.
• At inhabitants of mountain areas a hemoglobin is always raised, as at them there is a constant supersaturation of a blood by oxygen.
• During intense sports, more O _{2 is} needed for the muscles, so the blood hemoglobin level rises.