Borderline low hemoglobin levels

A prospective cohort study found that adults whose hemoglobin levels were 1 to 3 g/dL above the World Health Organization's (WHO) current anemia thresholds had lower mortality compared with those whose hemoglobin levels were both below and above this range. While the findings do not warrant updated anemia thresholds, they do suggest that further investigation of borderline anemia is warranted. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Borderline low hemoglobin levels, usually considered normal, linked to a higher risk of death. Borderline low hemoglobin levels, usually considered normal, linked to a higher risk of death by American College of Physicians edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Chief Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source While the findings do not warrant updated anemia thresholds, they do suggest that further investigation of borderline anemia is warranted.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow evaluated the association between hemoglobin concentration and long-term mortality among 502,188 adults enrolled in the UK Biobank. Hemoglobin concentrations were compared with the WHO's sex-specific anemia thresholds, and investigators examined deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer over a median follow-up of 13.6 years. They found a U-shaped relationship between hemoglobin levels and mortality, with the lowest risk occurring at hemoglobin concentrations 1 to 3 g/dL above current WHO anemia thresholds.

The authors conclude that the findings may help clinicians better interpret borderline hemoglobin levels and identify individuals at increased risk. Publication details Association Between Blood Hemoglobin Concentration and Mortality by Age and Sex: A Prospective Cohort Study, Annals of Internal Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-26-00057 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine Key medical concepts Mortality Cardiovascular Diseases Cancer Clinical categories Family medicine Common illnesses & Prevention Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries.

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