Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Haemoconcentration associated with low vitamin A status can mask anaemia
Søren Pedersen1, Isam Saeed, Søren Krogh Jensen
1Danish Centre for Experimental Parasitology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Dyrlaegevej 100, DK- 1870 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark. soerenkpedersen@hotmail.com
Abstract:
As part of a pig study to elucidate the interactions between low vitamin A status and helminth infections, surprisingly, we observed higher haemoglobin levels and packed cell volumes in the pigs with low vitamin A status. A possible haemoconcentration effect, due to some disturbance in the regulation of the extracellular fluid volume, could lead to underestimation of the prevalence of anaemia in vitamin A deficient human populations. Therefore, this phenomenon needs to be further clarified in studies involving determination of plasma volumes.
Related Concept Videos
Vitamins
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Hypoxia
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...