Haemoglobin Estimation (Hb): What It Is, Normal Ranges

HAEMOGLOBIN ESTIMATION

(Hb Test)

What It Is, What Your Result Means, and What To Do About It

Published by:  Omokos Diagnostics and Clinical Services Ltd

Reviewed by:  Scientist Shuaibu Omoko, BSc Chemistry  |  Founder, Omokos Diagnostics

Published:  2026  |  Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Medical Disclaimer:  This article is for public health education only. It does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your personal results.

Have you ever been told your blood is “low” or that you are “anaemic”? Have you received a blood test result with a number next to the letters Hb and wondered what it actually means? Or perhaps you have been feeling unusually tired, dizzy, or short of breath and want to understand whether your haemoglobin level could be the cause?

Haemoglobin estimation is one of the most commonly performed blood tests in Nigeria — and one of the most clinically important. It is part of the Full Blood Count (FBC), included in almost every hospital admission panel, every antenatal check-up, and every routine health screening.

Yet most patients receive their haemoglobin result without a clear explanation of what it means, what a normal level looks like for their specific age and gender, or what they should do if the result is abnormal.

This guide changes that. Written in plain, clear language by the team at Omokos Diagnostics and Clinical Services Ltd in Benin City, this article explains everything you need to know about haemoglobin — from what it is and why it matters, to what your specific result means and what action to take.

Haemoglobin is not just a number on a laboratory report. It is the measure of your body’s ability to deliver oxygen to every cell, tissue, and organ. Without adequate haemoglobin, every system in your body suffers — often silently, for months or years, before symptoms become obvious.

What This Guide Covers

• What Is Haemoglobin and What Does It Do?
• What Is Haemoglobin Estimation and How Is It Done?
• Normal Haemoglobin Ranges — Men, Women, Children, and Pregnant Women
• What Is Anaemia? — Definition, Classification, and Severity
• Causes of Low Haemoglobin in Nigeria — Detailed Explanation
• Symptoms of Low Haemoglobin
• Types of Anaemia — How Each Type Is Identified
• Causes of High Haemoglobin
• The Relationship Between Haemoglobin and PCV
• Haemoglobin in Pregnancy — Special Considerations
• Haemoglobin in Children — Why It Matters So Much
• How Low Haemoglobin Is Treated
• Foods That Support Healthy Haemoglobin
• Frequently Asked Questions
• References

1. What Is Haemoglobin and What Does It Do?

Haemoglobin is a complex protein found inside red blood cells. It is made up of four protein chains (globin chains) each attached to an iron-containing component called a haem group. It is the haem group — specifically the iron atom at its centre — that gives haemoglobin its remarkable ability to bind oxygen.

Every single red blood cell contains approximately 250 to 300 million haemoglobin molecules. In an adult human body, there are approximately 25 trillion red blood cells — each packed with hundreds of millions of haemoglobin molecules. Together, they form the largest and most efficient oxygen delivery system in nature.

The Oxygen Delivery Journey

Here is how haemoglobin carries out its vital work:

• Lungs — Red blood cells pass through the tiny capillaries of the lungs. Haemoglobin binds oxygen molecules here (becoming oxyhaemoglobin) and turns bright red.
• Arteries — Oxygenated red blood cells travel through the arteries to every part of the body.
• Tissues — When red blood cells reach tissues that need oxygen — muscles, brain, kidneys, heart — haemoglobin releases the oxygen where it is needed and picks up carbon dioxide (becoming deoxyhaemoglobin) and turns darker.
• Veins — The deoxygenated red cells travel back through the veins to the lungs, where the cycle begins again.

This cycle repeats continuously — approximately 2 to 3 million times per second in the human body. It is the reason you can think, move, breathe, and live. When haemoglobin levels fall below normal, this delivery system is compromised — and every cell in the body begins to feel the impact.

Haemoglobin also gives blood its red colour. Oxygenated blood (in arteries) is bright red. Deoxygenated blood (in veins) is darker red or maroon. The difference in colour is entirely due to the state of the iron atom in haemoglobin — bound to oxygen (bright) or not (dark).

2. What Is Haemoglobin Estimation and How Is It Done?

Haemoglobin estimation is the laboratory measurement of the amount of haemoglobin present in a given volume of blood, expressed in grams per decilitre (g/dL).

It is most accurately measured as part of a Full Blood Count (FBC) using an automated haematology analyser — a machine that counts and analyses blood cells with great precision and speed. The analyser uses a photometric method: a chemical reaction converts haemoglobin into a stable coloured compound (cyanmethaemoglobin or similar), and the intensity of the colour is measured and converted into a haemoglobin concentration.

In resource-limited settings, haemoglobin can also be estimated using:

• HemoCue device — a portable point-of-care device that gives a rapid haemoglobin reading from a finger-prick blood sample. Widely used in antenatal clinics and primary healthcare centres across Nigeria.
• Colour comparison chart (WHO haemoglobin colour scale) — a visual comparison method using a single drop of blood on a special paper. Less accurate but useful in remote settings.
• Packed Cell Volume (PCV) — haemoglobin can be estimated from the PCV: Hb (g/dL) ≈ PCV (%) ÷ 3. For example, a PCV of 33% corresponds to approximately Hb 11 g/dL.

Sample Collection for Haemoglobin Estimation

• A venous blood sample is collected into an EDTA (purple or lavender top) tube — the anticoagulant prevents the blood from clotting in the tube
• No fasting is required for haemoglobin estimation
• The sample can be collected at any time of day
• The tube must be gently mixed by inversion 8 to 10 times after collection — not shaken vigorously
• The sample should be analysed within 6 to 8 hours of collection for best accuracy

At Omokos Diagnostics and Clinical Services Ltd in Benin City, haemoglobin estimation is available as part of our Full Blood Count (FBC) panel, as a standalone test, and as part of our antenatal screening package. Walk in or book at www.omokosdiagnostics.com.ng

3. Normal Haemoglobin Ranges

Normal haemoglobin levels vary significantly by age, gender, and physiological state. It is essential to compare your result against the correct reference range for your specific group.

Group	Normal Haemoglobin Range (g/dL)	Notes
Adult Men (above 18 years)	13.5 — 17.5 g/dL	Men have higher Hb due to testosterone stimulating red cell production
Adult Women (non-pregnant, above 18)	12.0 — 15.5 g/dL	Lower than men due to monthly menstrual blood loss and lower testosterone
Pregnant Women — 1st Trimester	11.0 — 14.0 g/dL	Dilutional effect begins — blood volume expands faster than red cell mass
Pregnant Women — 2nd Trimester	10.5 — 14.0 g/dL	Maximum haemodilution — this is the lowest point in normal pregnancy
Pregnant Women — 3rd Trimester	11.0 — 14.0 g/dL	Red cell mass catches up — Hb rises slightly toward delivery
Elderly Adults (above 65)	12.0 — 17.0 g/dL	Slight decline with age is common and may reflect underlying conditions
Children 6 months — 5 years	11.0 — 14.0 g/dL	Critical period — iron deficiency anaemia highly prevalent in this age group in Nigeria
Children 5 — 11 years	11.5 — 15.5 g/dL	School-age children — anaemia impairs learning and concentration
Children 12 — 14 years	12.0 — 16.0 g/dL	Adolescent range — approaching adult values
Newborns (0 — 2 weeks)	14.5 — 22.5 g/dL	Very high at birth — foetal haemoglobin (HbF) is replaced by adult HbA over first 6 months

Always compare your haemoglobin result to the reference range printed on your laboratory report alongside your result. Different laboratories and populations may use slightly different reference ranges. The ranges above are based on WHO guidelines and Nigerian population studies.

4. What Is Anaemia? — Definition, Classification, and Severity

Anaemia is defined as a haemoglobin level below the normal range for a person’s age, gender, and physiological state. It is not a disease in itself — it is a sign of an underlying condition. The key question after confirming anaemia is always: What is causing this?

Anaemia reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. The degree to which this impairs health depends on how low the haemoglobin has fallen, how quickly it fell, the person’s age and underlying health, and the demands placed on the body.

WHO Classification of Anaemia Severity

Haemoglobin Level	Severity	Typical Symptoms	Action Required
10.0 — 11.9 g/dL (women) 10.0 — 12.9 g/dL (men)	Mild Anaemia	Often none; mild fatigue on exertion	Investigate cause; dietary correction; oral supplements
8.0 — 9.9 g/dL	Moderate Anaemia	Fatigue, pallor, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations	Medical evaluation and treatment; investigate cause urgently
Below 8.0 g/dL	Severe Anaemia	Severe weakness, extreme breathlessness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat	Urgent medical management; possible hospital admission
Below 6.0 g/dL	Very Severe / Life-threatening	Altered consciousness, heart failure, shock	Emergency — possible blood transfusion required immediately

Many Nigerians walk around with severe anaemia — haemoglobin below 8.0 g/dL — without realising it. The body adapts gradually to falling haemoglobin. By the time obvious symptoms appear, the anaemia may already be at a dangerous level. This is why routine testing matters.

5. Causes of Low Haemoglobin in Nigeria — Detailed Explanation

Low haemoglobin (anaemia) has many possible causes. In Nigeria, several conditions are particularly prevalent and account for the majority of anaemia cases. Understanding the cause is essential because different types of anaemia require completely different treatments.

5.1 Iron Deficiency Anaemia — The Most Common Cause in Nigeria

Iron deficiency is by far the most common cause of anaemia in Nigeria, affecting millions of women, children, and adolescents. The body needs iron to make haemoglobin. When iron stores are depleted, haemoglobin production falls and red cells become small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic).

Causes of iron deficiency in Nigeria:

• Poor dietary iron intake — diets low in red meat, liver, leafy green vegetables, and legumes
• Heavy menstrual bleeding — the most common cause in women of childbearing age
• Pregnancy — greatly increased iron demand for foetal development and maternal blood volume expansion
• Intestinal parasites — hookworm (Ancylostoma and Necator) causes blood loss in the gut. Highly prevalent in Nigeria, especially in rural areas and children.
• Malaria — repeated malaria episodes cause ongoing iron-deficient haemoglobin production alongside haemolytic anaemia
• Chronic diarrhoea — impairs iron absorption from the gut
• Exclusive breastfeeding beyond 6 months without iron supplementation — breast milk is low in iron

Iron deficiency anaemia and hookworm infection coexist in a large proportion of Nigerian children. Treating anaemia without also treating the hookworm will result in recurrence. Any child with persistent iron deficiency anaemia should be investigated and treated for intestinal parasites.

5.2 Malaria — A Major Direct Cause of Anaemia in Nigeria

Nigeria carries the world’s highest malaria burden. Malaria causes anaemia through multiple mechanisms:

• Direct destruction of red blood cells (haemolysis) — the malaria parasite (Plasmodium) invades and destroys red cells, releasing the contents (including haemoglobin) into the bloodstream
• Splenic sequestration — the spleen removes parasitised and bystander red cells from circulation
• Bone marrow suppression — malaria toxins suppress new red blood cell production
• Dyserythropoiesis — ineffective red cell production in the bone marrow during and after acute malaria

Anaemia from malaria is particularly severe in:

• Children under 5 — who have not yet developed protective immunity
• Pregnant women — especially in the first pregnancy, when placental malaria is most severe
• People with sickle cell trait or disease — who are more vulnerable to certain malaria complications

5.3 Sickle Cell Disease — Chronic Haemolytic Anaemia

Nigeria has the largest population of people living with sickle cell disease (HbSS) in the world. In sickle cell disease, abnormal haemoglobin (HbS) causes red cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped under conditions of low oxygen, stress, or dehydration.

• Sickle-shaped cells are fragile and break apart prematurely — surviving only 10 to 20 days instead of the normal 120 days
• The bone marrow cannot produce replacement cells fast enough — resulting in chronic anaemia
• Typical haemoglobin in HbSS patients: 6 to 9 g/dL — significantly below normal but the patient’s baseline
• During a sickle cell crisis, haemoglobin may fall even further and require urgent intervention
• People with sickle cell trait (HbAS) have normal or near-normal haemoglobin — their haemoglobin level does not reflect the trait

5.4 Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency — Megaloblastic Anaemia

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for DNA synthesis — the process by which the bone marrow makes new blood cells. When either is deficient, the bone marrow produces abnormally large red cells (megaloblasts) that function poorly.

• Folate deficiency — common in pregnancy (greatly increased demand), malnutrition, and alcoholism. All pregnant women in Nigeria should take folic acid supplements from before conception and throughout the first trimester.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency — less common in Nigeria than iron deficiency, but seen in strict vegetarians, elderly people, and those with conditions affecting B12 absorption (pernicious anaemia, gastrectomy).

5.5 Anaemia of Chronic Disease

Many chronic inflammatory and infectious conditions suppress haemoglobin production. The body diverts iron away from red blood cell production as part of the immune response. Conditions commonly causing this in Nigeria include:

• HIV infection — anaemia is one of the most common complications of HIV, caused by the virus itself, opportunistic infections, and ART side effects
• Tuberculosis — chronic TB causes significant anaemia of chronic disease
• Chronic kidney disease — the kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin that stimulates red cell production. Damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin, leading to anaemia.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions
• Chronic liver disease — impairs production of proteins and storage of nutrients needed for blood cell production

5.6 Other Important Causes

• Acute blood loss — trauma, surgery, gastrointestinal bleeding, or obstetric haemorrhage cause rapid haemoglobin fall
• Thalassaemia — a hereditary condition causing defective haemoglobin chains, common in some Nigerian ethnic groups
• Aplastic anaemia — bone marrow failure — rare but serious; the marrow stops producing blood cells
• Leukaemia and lymphoma — blood cancers that crowd out normal blood cell production in the bone marrow
• Haemolytic anaemia from autoimmune conditions — the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red cells

6. Symptoms of Low Haemoglobin

The symptoms of low haemoglobin reflect the reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. The severity of symptoms generally mirrors the severity of the anaemia — although people with slowly developing anaemia often have fewer symptoms than those in whom it develops rapidly.

System Affected	Symptoms of Low Haemoglobin
General	Fatigue, weakness, tiredness, reduced exercise tolerance, malaise
Cardiovascular	Palpitations (rapid or pounding heartbeat), breathlessness on exertion, chest pain in severe cases
Neurological	Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, headaches, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, irritability
Musculoskeletal	Muscle weakness, leg cramps, reduced physical performance
Skin and Mucous Membranes	Pallor (pale skin, pale inner eyelids, pale tongue, pale nail beds), cold hands and feet
Gastrointestinal	Loss of appetite, nausea, unusual cravings (pica) — eating chalk, soil, or clay is a well-known sign of iron deficiency anaemia in Nigeria
Reproductive	Irregular or absent menstrual periods in severe anaemia; reduced libido; erectile dysfunction in men
In Children	Reduced school performance, impaired cognitive development, poor growth, increased susceptibility to infections, behavioural problems
In Pregnancy	Increased risk of premature labour, low birth weight, maternal death during delivery from haemorrhage

A simple but reliable bedside sign of anaemia: pull down your lower eyelid — the inner surface should be pink or red. If it is pale or white, it strongly suggests low haemoglobin. This is called conjunctival pallor and is widely used by Nigerian healthcare workers as a quick screening tool.

7. Types of Anaemia — How Each Is Identified by Haemoglobin and FBC

The haemoglobin result tells you that anaemia is present. The other parameters in the Full Blood Count (FBC) — particularly MCV (cell size), MCH (haemoglobin content per cell), and RDW (variation in cell size) — help identify what type of anaemia it is and therefore what is causing it.

Type of Anaemia	Hb	MCV	MCH	RDW	Most Common Cause in Nigeria
Iron Deficiency Anaemia	Low	Low (<80 fL)	Low (<27 pg)	High (>14.5%)	Poor diet, menstrual loss, parasites, pregnancy
Megaloblastic (B12/Folate Deficiency)	Low	High (>100 fL)	High (>33 pg)	High	Folate deficiency in pregnancy; B12 deficiency in elderly
Normocytic Normochromic Anaemia	Low	Normal (80–100 fL)	Normal	Normal	Malaria, sickle cell (outside crisis), chronic disease, acute blood loss
Haemolytic Anaemia	Low	Normal to high	Normal	High	Sickle cell disease, malaria, autoimmune
Thalassaemia Trait	Low to normal	Very low (<70 fL)	Low	Normal	Hereditary — beta-thalassaemia trait; distinguished from iron deficiency by normal/high iron stores
Aplastic Anaemia	Very low	Normal	Normal	Normal	Bone marrow failure — rare; associated with pancytopenia

This table shows why the haemoglobin result alone is not sufficient to diagnose the type and cause of anaemia. The full FBC — together with iron studies, B12, folate, and other targeted tests — is essential to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.

8. Causes of High Haemoglobin (Polycythaemia)

While low haemoglobin (anaemia) is far more common in Nigeria, high haemoglobin — called polycythaemia or erythrocytosis — also occurs and has important clinical implications.

Cause	Mechanism	Clinical Significance
Dehydration	Blood is concentrated due to reduced plasma volume — most common cause	Correct hydration; repeat test when rehydrated — Hb usually normalises
Chronic Lung Disease / COPD	Body compensates for low oxygen by producing more red cells (secondary polycythaemia)	Treat underlying lung disease; Hb reflects severity of hypoxia
Living at High Altitude	Physiological response to lower atmospheric oxygen — more red cells needed	Normal for the altitude — not a disease
Heavy Smoking	Carbon monoxide from smoke displaces oxygen in haemoglobin — body produces more red cells	Cessation of smoking; increased cardiovascular risk
Polycythaemia Vera (PV)	Rare bone marrow disorder — excessive uncontrolled red cell production	Requires haematology referral — increased clotting risk — treatment required
Testosterone / Anabolic Steroid Use	Androgens stimulate red cell production directly	Common in athletes and body builders — raised Hb with other features

A persistently high haemoglobin — especially above 18 g/dL in men or 16 g/dL in women — should be investigated. Very high haemoglobin thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.

9. The Relationship Between Haemoglobin and PCV (Packed Cell Volume)

In Nigerian laboratories, Packed Cell Volume (PCV) — also called Haematocrit — is frequently reported alongside or instead of haemoglobin, particularly in smaller facilities and antenatal clinics. Understanding the relationship between the two is important.

Haemoglobin (g/dL)	Approximate PCV (%)	Classification
Above 13.5 (men) / Above 12.0 (women)	Above 41% (men) / Above 36% (women)	Normal
11.0 — 12.9 (men) / 10.0 — 11.9 (women)	33 — 41% (men) / 30 — 36% (women)	Mild Anaemia
8.0 — 10.9	24 — 33%	Moderate Anaemia
6.0 — 7.9	18 — 24%	Severe Anaemia
Below 6.0	Below 18%	Very Severe — Emergency

The quick conversion formula: Haemoglobin (g/dL) ≈ PCV (%) divided by 3.

• PCV 33% ÷ 3 = Hb 11 g/dL — mild anaemia in pregnancy
• PCV 24% ÷ 3 = Hb 8 g/dL — moderate to severe anaemia
• PCV 18% ÷ 3 = Hb 6 g/dL — very severe anaemia — emergency

10. Haemoglobin in Pregnancy — Special Considerations

Haemoglobin estimation is one of the most critical tests in antenatal care. In Nigeria, maternal anaemia is a significant contributor to maternal mortality and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Every pregnant woman should have her haemoglobin checked at every antenatal visit.

Why Haemoglobin Falls in Normal Pregnancy

During pregnancy, blood volume expands by 40 to 50 percent. Plasma (the liquid part of blood) increases more than the red cell mass — causing a dilutional effect. This physiological haemodilution means that even healthy pregnant women will have slightly lower haemoglobin than non-pregnant women. This is entirely normal and is called physiological anaemia of pregnancy.

However, true pathological anaemia — from iron deficiency, folate deficiency, malaria, or other causes — is superimposed on this physiological dilution and significantly worsens pregnancy outcomes.

Consequences of Anaemia in Pregnancy

• Premature labour and preterm birth
• Low birth weight — poor foetal growth due to inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery
• Increased risk of infection — reduced immune competence
• Poor tolerance of blood loss during delivery — even normal delivery blood loss can be life-threatening in a severely anaemic woman
• Maternal death — severe anaemia is a direct cause of maternal death in Nigeria, particularly when combined with haemorrhage during or after delivery
• Poor foetal brain development — iron is essential for foetal neurodevelopment

Haemoglobin in Pregnancy	Classification	Action Required
Above 11.0 g/dL (1st and 3rd trimester) Above 10.5 g/dL (2nd trimester)	Normal for pregnancy	Continue routine antenatal iron and folate supplementation
10.0 — 10.9 g/dL	Mild anaemia in pregnancy	Investigate cause; increase iron and folate dose; dietary counselling
7.0 — 9.9 g/dL	Moderate anaemia in pregnancy	Urgent investigation; oral or injectable iron; malaria treatment if relevant; close monitoring
Below 7.0 g/dL	Severe anaemia in pregnancy	Hospital admission; possible blood transfusion; delivery planning with senior obstetric team

Every pregnant woman in Nigeria should receive oral iron (ferrous sulphate or ferrous gluconate) and folic acid throughout pregnancy — regardless of haemoglobin level. This is prophylactic supplementation to prevent anaemia from developing or worsening. It is a proven, life-saving intervention.

11. Haemoglobin in Children — Why It Matters So Much

Anaemia in children is one of the most prevalent and damaging nutritional disorders in Nigeria. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 70 percent of Nigerian children under 5 years of age are anaemic. This is not just a health statistic — it is a development crisis.

Iron is essential for brain development. The period from birth to 2 years of age — sometimes called the first 1000 days — is the most critical window for brain formation. Anaemia during this period causes:

• Irreversible impairment of cognitive development — reduced IQ, poor learning ability, and lower school achievement that persists into adulthood
• Delayed motor development — children walk, talk, and develop skills later than non-anaemic peers
• Reduced immunity — anaemic children have more infections, more severe illnesses, and slower recovery
• Growth faltering — poor weight gain and stunted height
• Behavioural problems — irritability, reduced attention span, and social withdrawal

Common causes of childhood anaemia in Nigeria:

• Malaria — the single biggest cause; repeated malaria episodes cumulatively destroy enormous numbers of red cells
• Iron deficiency — poor dietary iron intake, exclusive breastfeeding beyond 6 months without complementary feeding rich in iron
• Intestinal parasites — hookworm is a major cause of iron-deficiency anaemia in school-age Nigerian children
• Sickle cell disease — affects 2 to 3 percent of Nigerian children, causing chronic haemolytic anaemia from birth
• Malnutrition — protein-energy malnutrition impairing blood cell production

If your child seems unusually pale, tires easily, performs poorly at school, eats chalk or soil, or has repeated malaria episodes — check their haemoglobin. A single blood test at Omokos Diagnostics can identify whether anaemia is contributing to these problems.

12. How Low Haemoglobin Is Treated

Treatment of anaemia depends entirely on the cause. This is why identifying the cause — not just the haemoglobin level — is the first priority after confirming anaemia.

Type of Anaemia	Primary Treatment	Additional Measures
Iron Deficiency Anaemia	Oral ferrous sulphate or ferrous gluconate (150–200 mg elemental iron daily in divided doses)	Treat underlying cause (deworming for parasites, gynaecology review for heavy periods); vitamin C to enhance absorption; dietary iron counselling
Folate Deficiency	Folic acid 5 mg daily (or 400 mcg for prevention in pregnancy)	Improve diet; treat malabsorption if present
Vitamin B12 Deficiency	Intramuscular vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin) injections, then oral maintenance	Dietary modification; treat underlying absorption problem
Malaria-Related Anaemia	Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for malaria	Iron supplements after treatment; malaria prevention (nets, IPT in pregnancy)
Sickle Cell Anaemia	Folic acid daily; hydroxyurea in selected patients; blood transfusion during crises	Infection prevention; pain management; hydration; specialist follow-up
HIV-Related Anaemia	Treat HIV with ART; switch ART if causing anaemia	Treat nutritional deficiencies; treat opportunistic infections
Chronic Kidney Disease Anaemia	Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents; treat underlying CKD	IV iron; manage CKD progression
Severe Anaemia (any cause)	Blood transfusion — packed red cells — when Hb below 7.0 g/dL (or higher with symptoms)	Treat underlying cause simultaneously; monitor post-transfusion Hb

Never take iron supplements without knowing whether your anaemia is caused by iron deficiency. Taking iron for B12 or folate deficiency anaemia will not help and may cause harm. Always have your haemoglobin and iron studies done before starting supplements.

13. Foods That Support Healthy Haemoglobin

Diet plays a vital role in maintaining adequate haemoglobin. While dietary changes alone are often insufficient to treat established anaemia, they are essential for prevention and for supporting recovery alongside medical treatment.

Iron-Rich Foods Available in Nigeria

Food	Type of Iron	Practical Tips
Red meat — beef, goat meat, offal (liver, kidney)	Haem iron — highly bioavailable	Even small amounts of liver weekly significantly improve iron stores
Poultry — chicken, turkey	Haem iron — moderate	Include in meals regularly
Fish and seafood	Haem iron — moderate	Dried or fresh fish is an accessible iron source
Beans and legumes — black-eyed peas, cowpeas, lentils	Non-haem iron	Combine with vitamin C for better absorption
Dark leafy vegetables — ugwu (fluted pumpkin), bitter leaf, waterleaf, spinach	Non-haem iron	Ugwu is one of the richest plant sources of iron available in Nigeria
Fortified cereals and bread	Non-haem iron	Many Nigerian cereals are iron-fortified — check the label
Pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds	Non-haem iron	Nutritious snacks and cooking additions
Dried fruits — dates, raisins	Non-haem iron	Healthy snacks that contribute to iron intake

Foods and Substances That Enhance or Inhibit Iron Absorption

Enhances Iron Absorption	Inhibits Iron Absorption
Vitamin C (orange, lemon, tomato, guava, peppers) — take with iron-rich meals	Tea and coffee — the tannins bind iron; avoid within 1 hour of iron-rich meals or supplements
Haem iron (meat/fish) enhances absorption of non-haem iron in the same meal	Calcium — found in dairy products and calcium supplements — competes with iron absorption
Cooking in iron pots — trace amounts of iron dissolve into food, especially acidic foods	Phytates — found in unprocessed cereals and legumes — soaking and fermenting reduces phytate content
Fermented foods — fermentation reduces phytate content	Excess zinc or calcium supplements taken at same time as iron

Key practical advice for Nigerian families:

• Include ugwu (fluted pumpkin leaf) in meals regularly — it is one of the richest plant iron sources available
• Squeeze lemon or orange juice on iron-rich meals or take with vitamin C tablets to enhance absorption
• Avoid drinking tea or coffee within an hour of taking iron supplements or eating iron-rich meals
• Cook beans properly and consider soaking overnight to reduce phytate content and improve iron availability
• Introduce iron-rich complementary foods to babies from 6 months — pureed liver, mashed beans, pureed ugwu

14. Frequently Asked Questions About Haemoglobin

My haemoglobin was normal last year but is low now. What happened?

Haemoglobin can fall over time due to many reasons — onset of a new condition, pregnancy, a period of inadequate nutrition, a malaria episode, increased menstrual blood loss, or the progression of a chronic disease. A normal result at one point in time does not guarantee a normal result months later. This is why regular monitoring is important, particularly for pregnant women, children, people with chronic diseases, and anyone with symptoms.

My doctor told me my blood is ‘low’ but I feel fine. Should I still treat it?

Yes. Feeling fine despite low haemoglobin means your body has compensated gradually — not that the anaemia is harmless. Untreated anaemia silently impairs your heart, brain, immune system, and physical capacity. In pregnancy, it puts you at risk of serious complications during delivery even if you feel well beforehand. Treat anaemia regardless of how you feel.

Can I eat my way out of anaemia without medication?

For mild iron deficiency anaemia, significant dietary improvement can raise haemoglobin over several months — but it is slow and unreliable. For moderate or severe anaemia, dietary change alone is almost never sufficient — medical iron supplementation or treatment of the underlying cause is essential. Diet is best thought of as prevention and as a support to medical treatment — not as a substitute for it.

How long does it take for haemoglobin to recover after treatment?

With proper oral iron therapy for iron deficiency anaemia, haemoglobin typically rises by about 1 to 2 g/dL per month. A patient starting at 7 g/dL might reach 11 g/dL within 2 to 3 months of consistent treatment. Full restoration of iron stores — measured by ferritin — takes 3 to 6 months of continued supplementation even after haemoglobin normalises. This is why iron treatment should continue beyond the point where haemoglobin returns to normal.

Is it normal for Nigerian women to have lower haemoglobin than men?

Yes — physiologically. Women naturally have lower haemoglobin than men due to the monthly loss of iron through menstruation and lower testosterone levels. This is reflected in the different reference ranges. However, the high rates of anaemia in Nigerian women go well beyond this physiological difference — they reflect real, correctable deficiencies in iron intake, high parasite burden, and the repeated demands of pregnancy and lactation on iron stores.

Where can I get my haemoglobin tested in Benin City?

You can get your haemoglobin estimated at Omokos Diagnostics and Clinical Services Ltd, located at Igo Community, After Ekehuan Barracks, Benin City, Edo State. We offer haemoglobin estimation as a standalone test and as part of our Full Blood Count (FBC) panel, with fast, accurate results and professional interpretation. Walk in or book your appointment at www.omokosdiagnostics.com.ng

Conclusion — Your Haemoglobin Is Your Oxygen Lifeline

Every breath you take, every thought you think, every step you walk, every heartbeat that keeps you alive — all of it depends on haemoglobin carrying oxygen from your lungs to the cells that need it. When haemoglobin falls below the level your body needs, everything suffers — often quietly, slowly, invisibly.

In Nigeria, anaemia is extraordinarily common — and extraordinarily undertreated. Millions of Nigerian women, children, pregnant mothers, and people with chronic illness carry haemoglobin levels that are significantly below normal, simply because they have never been tested, or because a low result has been dismissed without action.

This does not have to be the case. A simple, affordable blood test can identify anaemia in minutes. The right treatment — whether iron supplements, folic acid, malaria treatment, deworming, or another intervention — can restore haemoglobin to normal levels within weeks to months.

Know your haemoglobin. Understand what it means. And take the action your health deserves.

Your blood is your life. Protect it.

Book your Haemoglobin Estimation (Hb) or Full Blood Count (FBC) today at Omokos Diagnostics and Clinical Services Ltd — Igo Community, After Ekehuan Barracks, Benin City, Edo State. Fast results. Affordable pricing. Professional care. Visit www.omokosdiagnostics.com.ng

References

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2. Ugwu, N.I., and Uneke, C.J. (2020). Iron deficiency anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa: a review of the prevalence and aetiology. African Health Sciences, 20(4), 1887–1895.

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4. Tolentino, K., and Friedman, J.F. (2007). An update on anemia in less developed countries. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 77(1), 44–51.

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Reviewer’s Note

This article has been reviewed for scientific accuracy, clinical relevance, and suitability for Nigerian patients by Scientist Shuaibu Omoko, Founder of Omokos Diagnostics and Clinical Services Ltd, Benin City. This content is for public health education only and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are encouraged to discuss their laboratory results with their doctor.

Scientist Shuaibu Omoko   Founder, Omokos Diagnostics and Clinical Services Ltd

Igo Community, After Ekehuan Barracks, Benin City, Edo State  |  www.omokosdiagnostics.com.ng