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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Hemoglobin Count In Blood Test?

Hi there I m 33 years old female who has been a vegetarian (mostly vegan) for the past year and 3 months. I usually eat lots of raw dark green leafy veg and fruits, along with legumes etc. But sometimes (rarely) I do eat seafood and eggs and honey. I follow a very balanced diet however recently we moved house and I found no time during the move to do grocery shopping to be able to cook my food and/or have my daily green smoothies and salads. Instead I was eating vegetarian Thai takeaway and eating bread and sometimes some cheese again as it was quick and easy. I also started drinking coffee again for the first time in a year. I have been giving blood for the past year with no issue. I tried to give blood today however the nurse advised me my hemoglobin count is low (109) instead of between 115-165 for normal female levels (and 120 to give blood here in Australia). I really believe that this is due to my bad diet stint during my house move. I have been back on the green smoothies and eating a much more balanced, healthy diet again since the beginning of the week. I have also been exercising again so I actually am starting to lose weight and feel a lot better. Do you agree that this is from my bad diet or do you think I need to go to see my Dr to have tests done? Shouldn t I just start eating more iron-rich foods? I look forward to hearing from you. Emma
Fri, 21 Nov 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for the question Emma.
Low hemoglobin can be due to multiple causes . But usual causes are iron deficient diet, worm infestation or blood loss.
considering your description ,I would be ruling out excessive blood loss. if there has been excessive blood loss during menstruation or any other reason ,consult your nearest physician.
As you have mentioned that there has been a significant change in your diet,that might have led to low hemoglobin i.e anemia.
Having a balanced diet with green leafy vegetables will surely help you regain hemoglobin levels. I would suggest you could take course of antihelminthic medication to clear any worm infestation followed by iron supplementation in form of iron tablets . you would require to continue iron supplementation for 2-3 months to regain normal hemoglobin levels.
Hope this is helpful.
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What Causes Low Hemoglobin Count In Blood Test?

Thanks for the question Emma. Low hemoglobin can be due to multiple causes . But usual causes are iron deficient diet, worm infestation or blood loss. considering your description ,I would be ruling out excessive blood loss. if there has been excessive blood loss during menstruation or any other reason ,consult your nearest physician. As you have mentioned that there has been a significant change in your diet,that might have led to low hemoglobin i.e anemia. Having a balanced diet with green leafy vegetables will surely help you regain hemoglobin levels. I would suggest you could take course of antihelminthic medication to clear any worm infestation followed by iron supplementation in form of iron tablets . you would require to continue iron supplementation for 2-3 months to regain normal hemoglobin levels. Hope this is helpful.