6 Causes for Low Haemoglobin in Men

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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Haemoglobin is the carrier of iron in red blood cells. It is responsible for transporting oxygen to different parts of the body. If your blood has low haemoglobin levels, your cells will not receive enough oxygen. This condition, called anaemia, affects about a quarter of the global population, including 12.7% of men. In India, it’s considered to be a moderate public health issue, affecting 25% of men and 31% of adolescent boys.

People with anaemia are likely to develop other severe conditions like diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis, and hypertension. Hence, it is vital to understand the male haemoglobin range and the causes of low haemoglobin levels in men for effective treatment. Keep reading to learn more about low haemoglobin, its symptoms and the common causes of low haemoglobin in males.

What is a Normal Haemoglobin Level?

Haemoglobin levels depend on a male's age. Here is well-structured information about the normal haemoglobin level, which helps you understand where your haemoglobin levels stand medically

Healthcare professionals often use these ranges to determine whether a person might indicate anaemia or other abnormalities affecting the blood. 

What is Low Haemoglobin in Males?

Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the entire body and also removes carbon dioxide from the lungs.  For a male, the normal haemoglobin level is in the range of 14 gm/dL - 17.5 gm/dL. A haemoglobin level below 13 gm/dL is considered low for men.

Low haemoglobin means your body is not getting enough oxygen, which may cause some signs of deficiency. Low haemoglobin symptoms in males are the same as those in females. 

Here are some common symptoms of low haemoglobin in males:

• Feeling weak and tired
• Shortness of breath
• Body aches
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Brittle nails
• Pale or dull-looking skin
• Frequent Headaches
• Poor concentration or difficulty focusing

Why Haemoglobin Matters for Men’s Health?

Healthy haemoglobin levels are essential to help men stay energetic, resilient, and mentally alert. When haemoglobin levels fall below the normal male range, the body struggles to deliver oxygen, leading to tiredness and an increased risk of chronic illnesses. To understand why haemoglobin matters so much for men’s health, read the essential points: 

• Ensures Proper Oxygen Supply: Healthy haemoglobin levels maintain steady energy levels, support the proper functioning of essential organs, and safeguard long-term health by ensuring every part of your body gets adequate oxygen to perform at its best. 
• Supports Energy and Stamina: Energy and stamina in men primarily depend on the level of haemoglobin’s ability to carry oxygen, where your body needs it the most. It powers aerobic respiration and removes carbon dioxide. Staying within the haemoglobin normal range ensures you get stronger muscle performance and smoother post-workout recovery. 
• Maintains Heart Health: Optimal haemoglobin levels in males help the heart pump efficiently and ensure every organ receives enough oxygen. But when haemoglobin levels in the males aren’t balanced, the heart either strains to pump adequate oxygen or struggles against thicker blood. This increases the risk of heart-related issues. 
• Boosts Brain Function: Haemoglobin ensures the brain receives an uninterrupted oxygen supply, helping it function smoothly and energetically, and provides overall brain protection. Abnormal levels -too low or too high- can interfere with brain function and boost the likelihood of severe brain disorders. 
• Strengthens Immunity: Adequate haemoglobin supports immunity by delivering oxygen and iron to defend the body, while also directly participating in eliminating harmful microbes and ensuring inflammation stays within a healthy range. 

Low haemoglobin can strain the heart, putting you at greater risk for life-threatening heart illnesses. In such situations, a heart mediclaim policy matters, as it covers big-ticket medical bills, 16 major cardiac ailments and surgeries, offering lifelong renewability and global coverage for selected SI options. It requires no pre-policy medical checkup, protects each insured member and includes dedicated cardiac health screening, giving comprehensive heart protection and peace of mind. 

Reasons for Low Haemoglobin in Men

Many factors affect the haemoglobin levels in men, such as:

Internal Bleeding

Blood loss due to an injury, ulcer, or illness, such as colon cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding, results in a low haemoglobin level.

Low Production of Red Blood Cells

The bone marrow produces red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells. Certain diseases or conditions can affect the bone marrow’s ability to make RBCs, such as leukaemia, chronic kidney disease, and chemotherapy. This is more common in older men after chronic disease and is one of the leading causes of anaemia in older men. In certain conditions, like enlarged spleen or sickle cell anaemia, enough RBCs may be produced, but cells die faster than they can be replaced. 

Low Iron Absorption

Iron is required for making haemoglobin. Sometimes the body’s ability to absorb iron is impaired after gastrointestinal surgery, leading to iron deficiency. 

Insufficient Nutrient Intake

Iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies can limit red blood cell formation and decrease haemoglobin levels. These deficiencies also reduce the blood’s ability to supply oxygen to tissues. 

Genetic Conditions

Some genetic conditions can cause low haemoglobin levels due to problems with haemoglobin production. Sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia are two such common hereditary blood disorders. 

Chronic Condition of Anaemia

A critical illness can cause anaemia of chronic disease. It is among the common causes of anaemia in elderly men above the age of 65 years. Inflammation caused by chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions, cancer, and congestive heart failure, impairs the body’s ability to utilise iron efficiently for red blood cell production. 

>> Also Read: 6 Sources of Iron to Include in Your Diet

What are the Symptoms of Low haemoglobin level?

A low haemoglobin level, also known as anaemia, can cause various symptoms depending on its severity.

• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak even after adequate rest.
• Shortness of breath: Especially during simple activities or exercises.
• Pale skin: Skin and gums may appear pale or yellowish.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: especially when standing.
• Irregular heartbeat: Rapid or irregular heartbeats 
• Headaches: Recurring headaches.
• Cold hands and feet: Hands and feet may feel cold.
• Chest Pain:  Especially during physical activity.

Complications of Untreated Anaemia in Men 

Untreated low haemoglobin can lead to serious complications. Therefore, maintaining a healthy haemoglobin range in men supports energy levels and protects long-term health. 

• Heart Complications: When the heart works harder, it may thicken, weaken, or beat irregularly to compensate for low oxygen. 
• Increased Risk of Infection: Undermines the immune system. 
• Organ Damage: Persistent anaemia can impair organ health over the long term. 
• Neurological Issues: Untreated pernicious anaemia can damage the nervous system permanently. 
• Worsening or Other Conditions: Can intensify pre-existing conditions, such as heart or kidney problems. 

How to Treat Low Haemoglobin Levels?

To treat low haemoglobin, it is essential to identify the underlying cause and address it. Here are ways to maintain normal haemoglobin levels in males. 

Eat Iron-Rich Food

Consuming a diet rich in iron and other essential nutrients maintains haemoglobin levels. 

• Beans and legumes
• Leafy green vegetables and beetroot
• Fruits like apples, pomegranates 
• Nuts and seeds
• Eggs
• Meat and fish

Increase Folate Intake

Folate is a B vitamin that helps produce heme, an essential part of haemoglobin. Folate also helps in the maturation of RBCs. Some good sources of folate include spinach, kidney beans, peanuts, and whole grains. For better absorption, you can also take folate supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.

Improve Iron Absorption

Certain minerals and vitamins aid in the absorption of iron. These include vitamin A, vitamin C and beta-carotene. You can consume these through both food and supplements. For vitamin A, you can take sweet potatoes, fish, etc. For vitamin C, eat oranges, strawberries, papaya, etc., and for beta-carotene, eat carrots, mangoes, turnips, etc.

Take Iron Supplements

Iron supplements can also be taken to improve haemoglobin levels, but only in severe cases. Overuse can cause health problems, so always follow your doctor’s advice. 

It’s Time to Prioritise Your Haemoglobin Health!

If you have low haemoglobin, do not ignore it; consult a doctor to understand the root cause. Try to improve your haemoglobin levels naturally, unless your doctor advises you to start supplements. In extreme cases, blood transfusions may also be required.

Finally, consider investing in a suitable health insurance plan that includes an annual health check-up benefit, so you can monitor your health and receive treatment without worrying about costs. So hurry up and visit the Care Health Insurance website today to explore various health insurance plans that fit your needs. 

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.