From the Research
Red blood cells (RBCs) in adults are produced primarily in the bone marrow, specifically in the red bone marrow found within the flat and irregular bones of the body. The main sites include the vertebrae, sternum, ribs, skull, pelvis, and proximal ends of long bones like the femur and humerus. This process, called erythropoiesis, is regulated by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is mainly produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood 1. The bone marrow contains specialized stem cells called hematopoietic stem cells that differentiate into red blood cell precursors before maturing into functional erythrocytes.
Some key points to consider about erythropoiesis include:
- The daily production of approximately 200 billion red blood cells to replace aging cells that are removed from circulation after their typical 120-day lifespan 1
- The regulation of erythropoiesis by cytokine signaling mechanisms and intrinsic transcriptional pathways necessary for effective erythropoiesis 1
- The importance of posttranscriptional regulation and additional gatekeeping mechanisms necessary for effective erythropoiesis 1
In healthy adults, approximately 2 million red blood cells are produced every second to replace aging cells that are removed from circulation after their typical 120-day lifespan. This continuous production ensures adequate oxygen transport throughout the body, which is the primary function of red blood cells. Other studies have also highlighted the importance of erythropoiesis in maintaining healthy red blood cell production, including the role of erythropoietin in regulating this process 2, 3, 4, 5. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is 1, which provides the most up-to-date information on the mechanisms of erythropoiesis.