Introduction to Hematology

Too Little Hemoglobin: Nutritional Diseases of
Red Blood Cells

Iron is Necessary to Make Hemoglobin
Nutritional diseases of the red blood cells often cause problems in the development of the cells. In cases of iron deficiency there is not enough iron to complete the heme part of hemoglobin.

3D Images: Copyright Bristol Productions

Iron Deficiency
The cells on the right were taken from a patient with iron deficiency. The cells arrived in the circulation without enough hemoglobin to carry an adequate amount of oxygen to all parts of the body.

Normal

Low Iron

Diseases of the Red Cell (Index)

• Too Few Cells Made
• Too Little Hemoglobin
• "Flawed" Hemoglobin
• Fragile Cells
• Premature Cell Destruction