Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. It is made up of four protein molecules, known as globin, and four molecules of heme, an iron-containing substance. Each molecule of haemoglobin contains two atoms of iron. Haemoglobin is essential for life and is responsible for the red colour of blood.
How Much Iron Does Haemoglobin Contain?
Haemoglobin contains 0.334 of iron by weight. This means that for every 1 gram of haemoglobin, 0.334 grams of iron is present. This amount is relatively small compared to the total amount of haemoglobin, which is approximately 64 grams per litre of red blood cells.
What Does the Iron Do?
The iron in haemoglobin is essential for the oxygen-carrying function of the protein. It binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and then carries them to the body’s cells and tissues. The iron atoms in haemoglobin also give it its red colour. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough haemoglobin for the cells to get enough oxygen.
What are the Sources of Haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is produced in the body from two sources: dietary iron and the breakdown of haemoglobin from red blood cells. Dietary iron comes from food and can be found in many sources, including red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and grains. The body also absorbs some iron from vitamin supplements.
What Happens When There is Not Enough Iron?
When the body does not get enough iron from the diet or supplements, it cannot produce enough haemoglobin. This leads to a condition known as iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia and can have serious health consequences.
How to Increase Iron Intake?
To increase iron intake, people should eat foods that are rich in iron, such as red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and grains. It is also important to consume vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli, as vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from food. Iron-rich foods should be cooked in cast iron pans, as this can increase the amount of iron absorbed from the food. In addition, people should take iron supplements as directed by their doctor.
Conclusion
Haemoglobin is an essential protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s cells and tissues. It contains 0.334 of iron by weight, which is essential for its oxygen-carrying function. If the body does not get enough iron from the diet or supplements, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia. To increase iron intake, people should eat iron-rich foods and take iron supplements as directed by their doctor.
