Why Red Blood Cells Are Essential and Their Normal Levels Explained
Red blood cells are vital for delivering oxygen to every cell in the body. Learn from Zamona when their levels rise or fall and what it means for your health.
The number of red blood cells varies based on age and gender.
What Are Red Blood Cells and Why Are They Important?
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are blood cells produced by the bone marrow. They carry oxygen to all body tissues and remove carbon dioxide to the lungs using the protein hemoglobin.
Up to 2 million red blood cells are produced every second, and their average lifespan is about 120 days.
Why Monitoring Red Blood Cell Levels Matters
Red blood cell counts can provide clues about underlying health conditions.
Elevated red blood cell levels, or erythrocytosis, may be caused by:
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Heart diseases, including congenital defects or pulmonary heart disease, which is an abnormal enlargement of heart chambers often linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung scarring.
- Severe dehydration.
- Kidney tumors.
- Low oxygen levels in the blood, such as when ascending to high altitudes.
- Malignant bone marrow disorders that lead to excessive red blood cell production.
- Use of certain medications like anabolic steroids, erythropoietin, or gentamicin-based antibiotics.
Low red blood cell counts, or erythropenia, can result from:
- Bleeding.
- Bone marrow damage caused by toxins or radiation.
- Kidney diseases reducing erythropoietin hormone production, which normally stimulates red blood cell division.
- Rapid destruction of red blood cells, known as hemolysis.
- Systemic blood disorders, including leukemia, a type of cancer.
- Malnutrition.
- Deficiencies in iron, copper, folic acid, vitamin B6, or B12.
- Pregnancy.
- Overhydration, a condition characterized by excessive fluid in the body.
- Medications such as some antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers, chemotherapy agents, epilepsy drugs, and blood pressure medications.
What Are the Normal Red Blood Cell Levels?
Normal red blood cell counts depend on age, gender, and the reference ranges used by different laboratories. For example, the respected Cleveland Clinic in the United States, the UK's National Health Service, and Mayo Clinic each have slightly different standards. Zamona highlights comprehensive reference values from Helix Laboratory:
| Age | Gender | Red Blood Cells (10¹²/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 14 days | Any | 3.9–5.9 |
| 14 days – 1 month | Any | 3.3–5.3 |
| 1–4 months | Any | 3.5–5.1 |
| 4–6 months | Any | 3.9–5.5 |
| 6–9 months | Any | 4.0–5.3 |
| 9–12 months | Any | 4.1–5.3 |
| 1–3 years | Any | 3.8–4.8 |
| 3–6 years | Any | 3.7–4.9 |
| 6–9 years | Any | 3.8–4.9 |
| 9–12 years | Any | 3.9–5.1 |
| 12–15 years | Male | 4.1–5.2 |
| 12–15 years | Female | 3.8–5.0 |
| 15–18 years | Male | 4.2–5.6 |
| 15–18 years | Female | 3.9–5.1 |
| 18–45 years | Male | 4.3–5.7 |
| 18–45 years | Female | 3.8–5.1 |
| 45–65 years | Male | 4.2–5.6 |
| 45–65 years | Female | 3.8–5.3 |
| Over 65 years | Male | 3.8–5.8 |
| Over 65 years | Female | 3.8–5.2 |
How to Check Your Red Blood Cell Count
A complete blood count (CBC) test is used to measure red blood cell levels. No special preparation is needed. Blood samples are usually taken from a fingertip, less commonly from a vein in the arm. For newborns, blood is drawn from the heel.
What to Do If Your Red Blood Cell Levels Are Abnormal
If your red blood cell count is outside the normal range, avoid self-diagnosis and consult a healthcare professional. Your doctor will evaluate not only your red blood cell count but also other blood parameters and your symptoms. Additional tests or referrals to specialists may be recommended if necessary.
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