Kochi: A recent study has raised alarm over rising haemoglobin levels among youngsters, based on an analysis of blood donor data from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) blood bank in Kochi. In 2024–25, blood from 3,676 out of 15,480 individuals, who volunteered to donate, was rejected for various reasons. Among these, 24% (882) of male donors were found to have high haemoglobin levels. Notably, 60% (530) of them belonged to the 18–30 age group. Among young women, anaemia was identified as a major concern. 

If your haemoglobin is high...
High haemoglobin levels can lead to polycythemia, a condition characterised by an elevated haemoglobin level, which may trigger serious health complications in the future, said Dr Rema Menon, medical officer at the IMA Kochi blood bank. Globally, a haemoglobin range of 12.5 to 17.5 grams per decilitre (one-tenth of a litre) of blood is considered healthy. In Kerala, men typically report an average of 14–15 grams. However, recent findings show that in many cases, levels have risen to between 16 and 19 grams.

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