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Are Low Iron Level And Hemoglobin Count In Blood A Cause For Concern?
Question: My daughter who is 17 and very slim has been tested for iron and has a hemogoblin level of 75. Should we be concerned? She is on iron supplements
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello & thank you for submitting your question.
This is a low iron level and further information about her blood laboratory work and overall physical health is needed.
In general, anemia can be due to problems with red blood cell production (such as due to low iron or vitamin B12/folate levels) or red blood cell loss (ie, physiologic usage and removal from the body as well as blood loss from heavy periods or bleeding from the intestines/rectum).
It sounds as if the lab studies may have indicated that your daughter had low iron levels and starting with iron supplements is a reasonable first step.
Increase in the hemoglobin count may not be seen immediately, depending on how long the iron supplementation has been given. It is important to rule out other obvious causes such as diet, heavy menstruation, or blood loss in the stool.
If, after some weeks, her levels do not improve, it would be reasonable to look into other causes of the anemia.
The next step might be to have a consultation with a hematologist who will be able to order & interpret further laboratory studies which can help determine the etiology of anemia.
I hope this helps with your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello & thank you for submitting your question.
This is a low iron level and further information about her blood laboratory work and overall physical health is needed.
In general, anemia can be due to problems with red blood cell production (such as due to low iron or vitamin B12/folate levels) or red blood cell loss (ie, physiologic usage and removal from the body as well as blood loss from heavy periods or bleeding from the intestines/rectum).
It sounds as if the lab studies may have indicated that your daughter had low iron levels and starting with iron supplements is a reasonable first step.
Increase in the hemoglobin count may not be seen immediately, depending on how long the iron supplementation has been given. It is important to rule out other obvious causes such as diet, heavy menstruation, or blood loss in the stool.
If, after some weeks, her levels do not improve, it would be reasonable to look into other causes of the anemia.
The next step might be to have a consultation with a hematologist who will be able to order & interpret further laboratory studies which can help determine the etiology of anemia.
I hope this helps with your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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