A new study from the University of Oulu in Finland highlights low hemoglobin levels. The results refute the assumption that high hemoglobin levels are always desirable for health. The research is based on two large human cohorts. Experimental work confirmed that low hemoglobin in the blood predates both obesity and obesityprotect against metabolic syndromecould. The phenomenon may be related to the body's response to low-oxygen conditions such as hypoxia, which, for example, favors endurance athletes during altitude training.
Can low hemoglobin levels have health benefits?
Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood that is responsible for transporting oxygen to the body's tissues. Hemoglobin levels vary from person to person, with normal levels ranging from 117 to 155 grams per liter in women and 134 to 167 grams per liter in men. The published study showed that individual differences in hemoglobin levels are strongly associated with metabolic health in adulthood. The observed effect of lower hemoglobin is associated with a slight lack of oxygen and the corresponding so-called HIF response (hypoxia-induced factor). A slight lack of oxygen activates the HIF response, which can protect against obesity and unfavorable metabolism through energy metabolism, according to the study authors. However, it is still difficult for them to establish causality for the observed associations in human data.
People living high above sea level have low oxygen levels, which causes long-term activation of the HIF response. These people are slimmer, have better sugar tolerance and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the researchers, the HIF enzymes that cause a hypoxic response could potentially be used as targets for obesity and metabolism drugs in humans. They are currently used in Asia to treat renal anemia. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are major health problems worldwide, associated with numerous comorbidities and premature mortality. Half of adults are overweight and a quarter have metabolic syndrome. Childhood obesity is also on the rise, and the same phenomenon can be seen worldwide.This studycould therefore open up new ways to prevent and treat obesity.
