The doctor called the products that increase hemoglobin

Low hemoglobin levels are a common problem that affects not only well—being.: people develop weakness, dizziness, impaired attention, decreased immunity, and the heart is working with increased stress. Vera Seryozhina, an expert doctor at the LabQuest medical company, told Izvestia about this on September 23.

"If the deficiency persists for a long time, it can develop into clinically significant anemia, so monitoring indicators is important for all ages and both sexes. Hemoglobin is an iron—containing protein of red blood cells that provides oxygen delivery from the lungs to the tissues. When it decreases, the cells do not receive enough oxygen, which is manifested by the listed symptoms," she explained.

The norms depend on gender and age: approximately 130-150 g/l for men, 120-140 g/l for women; values for children vary depending on the period of life.

The causes of a drop in hemoglobin can be divided into two large groups. The first is a lack of substrates for synthesis: iron, folate (B9), cobalamin (B12) or vitamin C deficiency; this is due to an unbalanced diet, strict diets, and malabsorption. The second is accelerated destruction or loss of blood: chronic diseases, blood loss, hemolytic processes, tumors, as well as lifestyle influences such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and taking certain medications.

Empty dreams: cold summer caused early autumn blues

The demand for psychological services has quadrupled by September 2025.

When there is a shortage of iron, the diet is adjusted in favor of products with heme iron — it is better absorbed and makes up for the deficiency faster. Reliable sources: lean beef and veal, liver and kidneys, oily fish (e.g. mackerel, herring) and egg yolks.

Vegetable sources of iron — whole-grain cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, bran), legumes (beans, peas), beets, carrots, potatoes, spinach, greens, sea cabbage and wild mushrooms — give an additional effect, but their iron (non-heme) is absorbed worse. To increase its bioavailability, combine these foods with vitamin C sources: citrus fruits, berries, cranberries, cabbage, and fresh herbs.

"There are important practical observations. Calcium reduces iron absorption, so the combination of dairy products and iron-rich dishes should be avoided. Tea and coffee contain substances that inhibit digestion — it is better not to drink them immediately after eating. Pomegranate and pomegranate juice are traditionally recommended for low hemoglobin, but people with a predisposition to constipation should be careful," the doctor warned.

If folate deficiency is suspected, include legumes, asparagus, artichokes, leafy vegetables (spinach, arugula), beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, liver and wheat germ in the diet. If vitamin B12 is deficient, the focus is on meat products, liver dishes, fish (salmon, trout), seafood, eggs and dairy products; vegetarians and those with digestive disorders may be advised to take pharmaceutical supplements or fortified products (brewer's yeast, fortified vegetable milk).

And most importantly, nutrition is an important part of correction, but not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment, Seryozhina clarified.

"If you notice symptoms or the analysis shows a decrease in hemoglobin, contact your doctor: a specialist will find out the cause and select a treatment regimen along with dietary recommendations," she added.

On September 3, general practitioner Nadezhda Chernyshova gave recommendations on the prevention of type 2 diabetes. She called for periodic blood donation for sugar and glucose, and in case of an increase, to be examined further. The doctor also noted that sports training, activity and proper nutrition will help in prevention.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.