What is the lower limit for hemoglobin (Hb) in a teenage African American female?

From the Guidelines

The lower limit for hemoglobin (Hb) in a teenage African American female is approximately 11.0 g/dL [ 1 ].

Normal Hemoglobin Range

According to the data from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases [ 1 ], the 5th percentile for Hb in African American females aged 15-19 years is around 11.0 g/dL.

• The normal range for Hb values can be influenced by factors such as altitude, age, race, and smoking.
• For teenage African American girls, a Hb level below 11.0 g/dL may indicate anemia, which could require further evaluation and potential treatment.

Anemia Diagnosis and Treatment

Hemoglobin levels below the threshold may indicate anemia, which may require further evaluation and potential treatment with iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate 325 mg orally three times daily for 3-6 months [ 1 ].

• In cases of severe anemia, additional testing and consultation with a healthcare provider may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
• Healthcare providers should be aware of the possible difference in the positive predictive value of anemia screening for iron deficiency among blacks and whites and consider using other iron status tests (e.g., serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation) for their black patients [ 1 ].

From the Research

Hemoglobin Levels in Teenage African American Females

• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia as hemoglobin (Hb) levels <12.0 g/dL in women 2.
• A study published in 2023 found that the mean Hb level in non-Hispanic Black females aged 16 to 49 years was 12.6 g/dL, which is lower than in non-Hispanic White females (13.7 g/dL) 3.
• The same study suggested that the distribution of Hb and iron may support the safe collection of blood for female donors below the current Hb eligibility requirement of 12.5 g/dL 3.
• Another study published in 2021 evaluated the current WHO Hb cutoffs for defining anemia among healthy individuals and found that the pooled fifth percentile estimates of Hb were 10.81 g/dL for women 4.
• However, it is essential to note that the definition of anemia and the lower limit for Hb can vary depending on the population, age, and other factors, and there is no specific study that provides a clear answer for the lower limit of Hb in teenage African American females.

Factors Affecting Hemoglobin Levels

• Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, and its prevalence can vary among different populations 3, 5, 6.
• Other factors such as inflammation, chronic diseases, and nutritional deficiencies can also affect Hb levels 2, 5, 6.
• The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia can be complicated, and different biomarkers and tests are used to assess iron status 6.

Considerations for Defining Anemia

• The definition of anemia and the lower limit for Hb can vary depending on the population, age, and other factors 2, 4.
• The WHO cutoffs for defining anemia may be higher than the pooled fifth percentile of Hb among healthy individuals 4.
• More studies are needed to confirm the validity of the proposed Hb cutoffs for anemia and to establish a clear definition of anemia in different populations 4.