My hemoglobin level always remain below 12 g/dl. Why?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 41-year-old male. I am a pre-diabetic with vitamin D deficiency and a low hemoglobin level. My hemoglobin levels are always below 12. I have reports of more than three to four years, and it has never crossed 12. I am vegetarian, and that could be one of the reasons as per the doctor I consulted. But I still would like to check with a hematologist and confirm that there are no issues. I do not know why hemoglobin is not becoming normal. I have spondylosis issue (neck pain) for the past 18 months. I have numbness in both hands and fingers.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your hemoglobin level is slightly low, along with low MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and PCV (packed cell volume). It seems most likely to be iron deficiency anemia, for which you can be prescribed Ferrous ascorbate tablet for one or two months.

You can investigate with stool routine examination to check for the presence of any parasite if present. After completing the iron tablet, you need to repeat CBC (complete blood count) to check for Hb (hemoglobin) level.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There are many causes of low hemoglobin levels. It seems to be iron deficiency anemia as per the attached reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Even after completion of iron therapy, even if hemoglobin levels are low, then the underlying cause for iron deficiency anemia should be searched by stool and physical examination. HB electrophoresis can be done to rule out hemolytic anemia.

However, if iron tablets do not correct anemia, physical examination must be investigated further. You can investigate primarily for HB electrophoresis and stool examination. Stool occult blood tests also should be done to check for any bleeding from the intestinal tract if present.

I hope this helps.