Red Blood Cells: Exploring Their Function and Importance in Health
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: May 2, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: May 2, 2024Table of Contents
Red blood cells (RBCs) are special cells that carry oxygen. They go from the lungs to all parts of our body. RBCs owe their oxygen-carrying capacity to haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. This protein grabs oxygen and takes it around the body via the bloodstream. But they don’t just carry oxygen. They also help remove waste products, like carbon dioxide, from body tissues. Keeping up the right count of RBCs matters a lot for well-being. Without RBCs, our cells would lack the oxygen they need to survive. On top of that, carbon dioxide would rise inside our bodies which is deleterious to the body. In this blog, we’re going to cover all about how they’re formed, how they’re structured and why having the right count matters.
Did you know?
Creating red blood cells, a process also known as erythropoiesis or haemopoiesis, is complex. It happens in different steps involving various cell types. The main site where this happens is the bone marrow. This is where stem cells live. These are cells that can turn into any kind of cell.
Bone marrow, a soft, spongy tissue in our bones, produces blood cells. It forms red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. At the heart of the process are the haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These can morph into any type of blood cell.
The process starts when the HSCs divide and evolve into cells named proerythroblasts. Proerythroblasts then turn into basophilic erythroblasts, which then change to polychromatic erythroblasts. The cells start to make haemoglobin at this stage. They keep growing and change into orthochromatic erythroblasts. These cells lose their nucleus and turn into reticulocytes. Then, these reticulocytes are let into the bloodstream to grow up into full-fledged red blood cells. Below is a table that enumerates the various stages of erythropoiesis and their description.
| Stages of erythropoiesis | Description |
| Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) | An undifferentiated cell that can morph into any blood cell |
| Proerythroblast | RBC precursor |
| Basophilic erythroblast | The stage where the synthesis of haemoglobin begins |
| Polychromatic erythroblast | Continuation of the maturation process. |
| Orthochromatic erythroblast | Loses its nucleus |
| Reticulocyte | Immature cells that are released into the bloodstream. |
| Mature red blood cell/ Erythrocyte | Fully functional oxygen-carrying cells. |
Red blood cells (RCBs) are unique with following key features.
One of their key traits is their biconcave shape. It’s like a flattened donut, but thinner in the middle. This shape gives them a larger surface area that helps in gas exchange, as well as the flexibility to go through tight spaces.
At the heart of how RBCs work is the protein haemoglobin. It enables these cells to carry oxygen across our bodies. Haemoglobin binds to oxygen molecules, which gives red blood cells their distinct red colour. Plus, it aids in removing carbon dioxide from body tissues and getting it back to the lungs to breathe out.
Due to the lack of a central membrane (nucleus), red blood cells have a short lifespan. A red blood cell can only live for 120 days on average when it passes through your blood vessels because it exhausts its energy supply. Red blood cells make up about 40% of your blood, which is why your blood appears red.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
Perhaps, the chief function of RBCs is carrying oxygen. They pick up oxygen from the lungs and move it to tissues across our bodies. Their special shape and the protein haemoglobin allow them to carry large amounts of oxygen.
Besides supplying oxygen, RBCs aid waste removal too. After they deliver oxygen, haemoglobin binds with carbon dioxide. This waste product is a result of cell metabolism. RBCs then take these waste molecules back to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
RBCs also help maintain the body’s pH levels stable. Carbon dioxide can form carbonic acid when it’s dissolved in blood. This can cause an acidic environment. By taking carbon dioxide out of the body, RBCs can keep the body’s pH within a healthy range.
The RBC count is a measure of the number of red blood cells in our blood. The normal range can differ based on the person’s age and gender.
Numerous factors can affect the RBC count. These include age, gender, diet, the air we breathe, and medical status. Even some drugs can impact RBC production.
Having the right RBC count is key for our health. If we have too few or too many, it can cause health issues.
Anaemia is when we have low levels of RBCs or haemoglobin. This results in less oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. There are several reasons this can happen which are as follows.
Low levels of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid can affect RBC production, leading to anaemia. Eating a balanced diet full of these key nutrients can help stop anaemia due to nutrient lack.
Diseases like aplastic anaemia or some cancers can disrupt bone marrow function and hinder RBC production.
Some autoimmune diseases or genetic disorders can cause the body to get rid of RBCs quicker than it can create new ones, thus causing anaemia.
Chronic illnesses such as kidney disease or inflammatory conditions like arthritis can derail RBC production, leading to long-term anaemia.
Having too many red blood cells is called polycythaemia. This leads to thicker blood, increasing the chance of forming clots. Several factors can cause high RBC count which are as follows.
Primary erythrocytosis means there’s a problem with bone marrow cell growth. This results in too many RBCs being made. Polycythaemia vera, a genetic mutation, is an example of primary polycythaemia.
Outside factors such as lung diseases, high altitudes, and dehydration can trigger secondary erythrocytosis, a condition where the RBC count rises.
Some medications, like anabolic steroids or erythropoietin injections, can artificially increase the RBC count.
Blood cancers like leukaemia and myeloma can disrupt RBC formation. They stop the body from being able to make healthy blood cells. This can cause abnormal RBC counts, leading to serious health issues.
Genes and medical problems can play a big role in RBC health. But so does lifestyle, diet, and daily habits. Living a healthy life and eating a balanced diet may support blood cell health.
Also Read: Cherry Tomatoes: Unveiling the Nutritional Benefits and Culinary Uses
If you are feeling symptoms tied to abnormal RBC counts, discuss with your healthcare provider. They might conduct a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) to check the number of different blood cells. This test can help figure out if management is needed.
There are different management options depending on the root cause of the RBC count issue.
If you have anaemia, the best option depends on the exact cause.
If nutrient lack is causing anaemia, your healthcare provider may suggest taking supplements of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid. Don’t start supplements on your own always convey your symptoms to your doctor first following which they will conduct tests and based on the results prescribe supplements.
Your doctor may prescribe some medicines. These may increase RBC production or manage root conditions, like autoimmune diseases or kidney issues.
If you have polycythaemia, there are some potential options which are as follows.
A phlebotomy is a procedure that takes a small amount of blood out of the body. This helps to lower the RBC count and reduces the risk of blood clots.
Your doctor may give you certain medications to help bring down your RBC count and avoid clot formation.
Making changes like quitting smoking, drinking enough water, and exercising often may aid in managing a high RBC count.
Healthy red blood cells are vital for overall health as they handle critical jobs like carrying oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and keeping pH balance in check. Knowing how RBCs form and what affects their count allows everyone to understand why it’s essential to manage them effectively.
RBC count that’s too high or too low can lead to various health problems. By adopting a nourishing diet, getting regular exercise, and implementing positive lifestyle adaptations, you may make a significant impact on RBC health. This ensures efficient oxygen delivery and waste removal throughout the body. Early detection and management of abnormal RBC counts is crucial to avoid serious health outcomes. Consult with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your RBC count. They can guide you in managing it best.
No, they’re not. Anaemia happens when you have a low RBC count or the haemoglobin is low. This affects how much oxygen the blood can carry. Having a low RBC count is just one factor that can bring about anaemia.
The key causes of anaemia tend to be reasons like nutrient lack (like iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid), blood loss, bone marrow failure, and certain chronic health problems.
You may naturally increase your RBC count by eating a balanced diet full of key nutrients. Regular exercise and embracing healthy lifestyle habits that may also work.
A low RBC count becomes a concern when it’s lower than the normal range of 4.7–6.1 million cells/µL for adult males or 4.2–5.4 million cells/µL for adult females. However, the exact level that causes worry can differ based on factors like age, gender, or overall health.
If you’re having symptoms tied to abnormal RBC count, such as fatigue, breathing troubles, feeling dizzy, or heart fluttering, it’s key that you see your healthcare provider. They can do tests to figure out what’s happening and propose the best management options if needed.
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