Tag Archives: hemoglobin

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a blood disorder that causes the body to produce less hemoglobin — the protein that helps your red blood cells carry oxygen through the body. If your hemoglobin levels are low, you may develop anemia. What causes thalassemia? It is an inherited disorder — one that comes from a defective gene in both parents. There are two genes that produce beta-globin and four genes that produce hemoglobin. A malfunction in these genes can lead to thalassemia. There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia. Beta is the most common form of the disease, and … Continue reading →

Why Does My Body Need Iron?

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Iron is one of the most abundant metals on the planet. Good thing, too — iron is essential to most life forms, including humans. Iron is important to many of the proteins and enzymes that help maintain good health. What does iron do for the body? Iron is an essential component in the proteins that carry oxygen through the body. An iron deficiency can reduce oxygen delivery to the cells, leaving a person fatigued and with a compromised immune system. Iron is used by the body to help regulate cell growth and cell differentiation. The majority of the iron in … Continue reading →