What is a good red blood cell count?

Red blood cells do a quiet but important job. They move oxygen around your body so you can think clearly, feel energised and get on with your day. When the number of red blood cells drifts higher or lower than it should, your body often lets you know in small ways. Maybe you feel more tired than usual or a bit short of breath. A blood test is usually the first time people realise anything has changed.

Here is a simple guide to what red blood cells do, what a healthy count looks like and what might be going on when your levels shift.

What red blood cells actually do

Your bone marrow makes red blood cells, releases them into your bloodstream and they spend the next few months carrying oxygen wherever it is needed. Haemoglobin inside each cell does the heavy lifting.

When the number of red blood cells is within a healthy range everything runs smoothly. When levels dip, your body gets a little less oxygen than it needs. When levels go up, the blood feels thicker and your heart has to work harder to move it around. That is when you might notice things like tiredness or feeling out of breath for no obvious reason.

What counts as a normal red blood cell level?

You’ll find out your exact number through a simple full blood count. In the UK, most labs expect men to have around 4.3 to 5.7 million red blood cells per microlitre, and women about 3.9 to 5.0 million.

Every lab has its own reference range, which will be shown on your report. A small difference either way is completely normal and doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.

Why might levels be on the low side?

Low levels are often linked to anaemia. The causes can be very everyday.

Iron deficiency - Low iron is common. Heavy periods, low dietary iron and pregnancy are common reasons.

Vitamin B12 or folate levels - Your body needs these vitamins to make healthy red blood cells. When they are low, production slows.

Long term conditions - Issues with the kidneys, thyroid or certain inflammatory conditions can affect red blood cell production.

Blood loss - Even minor blood loss, such as from a small injury or a recent operation, can lower your red blood cell levels.

Less common causes - Some bone marrow conditions can play a part, though these are far less common.

Why might levels be on the high side?

Higher levels can also happen for familiar reasons.

Living at altitude - Your body makes more red blood cells when oxygen levels in the air are lower.

Smoking - Smoking affects the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, so the body steps up production.

Dehydration - Low fluid intake can make your red blood cell count look higher than it actually is.

Lung or heart issues - If your body struggles to get enough oxygen it may create more red blood cells to compensate.

Certain medications - Some treatments, such as testosterone, can raise levels.

What might you notice when levels shift?

Some people feel nothing at all, others feel slightly off and cannot put a finger on why.

Low levels might show up as:

• Tiredness or low energy

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling light headed

• Looking paler than usual

• Cold hands or feet

• Heart flutters

High levels might show up as

• Headaches

• Blurred vision

• A flushed face

• Raised blood pressure

• Night sweats

• Feeling warmer than usual

These symptoms can come from many things, which is why a blood test helps make things clearer.

How blood tests check your levels

It measures things like:

• RBC count – how many red blood cells you have

• Haemoglobin – how much oxygen your blood can carry

• Haematocrit – the proportion of your blood made up of red blood cells

• MCV – the average size of your red blood cells

• MCH and MCHC – how much oxygen carrying protein is in each cell

Looking at all of these together gives a clear picture of your blood health and helps spot if anything is out of balance.

The Bluecrest Wellness Blood Health Profile includes these markers and can be added as an individual test to many of our full health check packages.

Simple ways to support healthy red blood cell levels

Food - Iron rich foods such as chicken, beans, spinach and fortified cereals can help. Vitamin C supports iron absorption and B12 and folate help with cell production.

Movement - Regular activity keeps your circulation moving well.

Hydration - Drinking enough water helps your blood stay balanced.

Stopping smoking - Quitting smoking can help your oxygen levels and reduce the strain on your body.

Looking after long term conditions - Keeping health conditions steady can support healthy cell production too.

Supplements - Some people need iron, B12 or folate supplements if diet alone is not enough. Speak with a healthcare professional before starting anything new.

When might it be worth getting checked?

A test might help if

• Your energy has dipped and not bounced back

• You feel short of breath on small tasks

• You have heavy periods

• You follow a restricted diet

• You have a long term condition

A full blood count is a simple way to see what your red blood cells are up to.

Your next step

Understanding your red blood cell levels can give you a clearer picture of your overall health. Bluecrest's Full Body Health MOTs help you see where you stand and spot changes early.

If you want a closer look at your blood health, our Blood Health Profile is part of our private health checks and can be added to many of our existing packages.

You will receive a clear results report and access to a GP helpline for 12 months. It is a straightforward way to understand your red blood cell health and look after your wellbeing.

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Need help? Call free on 0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.