| Red blood cells (haemoglobin) | |||||
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Red blood cells are the lifeblood of the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen which are transported through the blood by haemoglobin.
The basic function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and to transfer carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.
The hormone erthyropoietin, secreted by the kidneys, stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. The creation of red blood cells is known as erthyropoiesis.
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Important red blood cells facts
- Red blood cells are also known as erythrocytes
- RBC is the "red blood count", which is the number of red blood cells in the the body
- Increased red blood cell count is called polycythemia
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Why red blood cells are important
The normal red blood cells values at various ages are:
| Age Group | Gender | RBC |
| Newborns | All | 4.8 - 7.2 million |
| Children | All | 3.8 – 5.5 million |
| Adults | Male | 4.6 - 6.0 million |
| Adults (female) | Female | 4.2 - 5.0 million |
| Pregnant | Female | slightly lower than normal female adults |
Abnormal levels of red blood cells are due to the following:
- Increased red blood cells - RBC normally increases after strenuous exercise and at high altitudes. Other reasons red blood cells increase are due to specific conditions such as congenital heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis, rare bone marrow disorder, kidney disease
- Decreased red blood cells - RBC can decrease for women who have heavy menstrual periods. Other reasons for low RBC is: heavy bleeding from injury, anaemia caused by various reasons, including nutritional deficiencies of certain nutrients, leukemia and other bone marrow malignancies
Last reviewed: 30 September 2007 || Last updated: 14 March 2010
Related Articles
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
