Hemoglobin

Routine annual

also hgb, hb

What it isHemoglobin is the iron-containing protein inside red blood cells that binds and releases oxygen. Each red cell carries roughly 270 million hemoglobin molecules.

DoesPicks up oxygen in the lungs and releases it where oxygen tension is low — primarily metabolically active tissues.

GoodMid-range hemoglobin signals robust oxygen-carrying capacity and supports exercise performance, cognition, and tissue repair.

BadLow hemoglobin causes anemia, fatigue, and reduced exercise capacity. Very high hemoglobin raises blood viscosity and clotting risk.

Standard

Men 13.5–17.5 g/dL; women 12.0–15.5 g/dL.

Optimal

14.5–16 g/dL men, 13.5–15 g/dL women (narrow target)

Modifiers

Rises with altitude, smoking, dehydration, testosterone; falls with iron, B12, folate deficiency, chronic disease, or blood loss.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Treat sleep apnea; quit smoking; address heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
Diet: Red meat, eggs, leafy greens, legumes for iron and B vitamins; vitamin C with iron-rich plant meals to boost absorption.
Supplements: Iron (only if deficient), methylcobalamin (1000µg/day), methylfolate (400–800µg/day).
Peptides: —
Drugs: Treat underlying cause.

within Blood Cells