WHY AM I SO FATIGUED?
What You Should Know About Hemoglobin/Anemia

The Fuel of Life!

Why Your Body Need Hemoglobin

Just like a car, our body needs fuel to run. Hemoglobin, or Hb, is important because it transports oxygen in your blood to all parts of your body. Think of the oxygen carried by hemoglobin as the fuel your body needs to stay alive and run efficiently.

Hemoglobin is a complex iron protein substance found in your red blood cells. Although other substances in your body, such as water and plasma, also carry oxygen, hemoglobin is unique because it increases by more than 50 times the quantity of oxygen it can carry.

Why Your Blood is Red

Red blood cells are red because they contain the protein chemical hemoglobin, which is bright red.

How Hemoglobin Fuels Your Body

Because hemoglobin contains iron, it is an excellent vehicle for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. When red blood cells fill the air sacs of your lungs, they take up oxygen. The hemoglobin in the red cells combines with the oxygen to form a compound called oxyhemoglobin. When the red cells travel through the rest of your body, they give up the oxygen to the tissues.

In the tissues, hemoglobin takes up carbon dioxide and releases it in the air sacs of the lungs. The carbon dioxide is then exhaled.

Don't Take Your Hemoglobin For Granted

Normally your body makes enough red cells for your blood to function properly. But some things can keep your body from making enough of them.

If this happens, your Hb level may drop and as a result, your body will not get enough oxygen. A shortage of nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid can also lower Hb counts.

Please feel free to consult your physician about any questions or comments you may have regarding fatigue or issue which facilitate to fatigue.

For some questions you might have, or further information please consult your physician

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