Your longevity guide to Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count.
Understand the importance of Red Cell Count in your health with Mito Health's comprehensive biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.
What is Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count?
The most prevalent type of cell in the bloodstream is the red blood cell, which carries haemoglobin and is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Interpreting this test in conjunction with haemoglobin and other red blood cell metrics allows us to understand the health of our body's oxygen delivery system.
What does it assess?
Red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells in a specific volume of blood. RBCs are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body and returning carbon dioxide to be exhaled.
The RBC count is a key indicator of overall blood health, and abnormalities in RBC count can reflect various conditions.
How do I optimize my Red Blood Cell (RBC) count?
Iron is crucial for hemoglobin production, and insufficient iron can lead to anemia, characterized by a low RBC count.
Consuming iron-rich foods, such as red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals, will help maintain healthy RBC levels.
Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume and RBC concentration. Dehydration can cause falsely elevated RBC levels due to a reduction in plasma volume.
Drinking adequate water throughout the day supports a balanced RBC count and overall health.
Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, can stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow, especially in individuals with low RBC counts or those with anemia. Regular exercise also supports cardiovascular health, which can indirectly support RBC function.
What does a high and low Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count mean?
A high RBC count may indicate dehydration, where reduced plasma volume leads to a relative increase in RBC concentration. It can also be seen in conditions like polycythemia vera, chronic lung disease, or living at high altitude.
A low RBC count, or anemia, can occur due to a variety of reasons, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic disease, blood loss, or bone marrow problems. Symptoms of low RBC count may include fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath.
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