HEMOGLOBIN COMPARISONS BETWEEN AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN-AMERICAN MALES WITH HEMOGLOBIN VALUES IN THE NORMAL RANGE

There are conflicting reports about the nature and magnitude of hemoglobin (Hb) differences between African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). Several reports suggest that AA have lower mean Hb values and that differences between AA and EA are large and are due to "racial" differences. Some have even called for separate Hb standards. In this study, Hb comparisons were made between AA and EA males in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1976-1980. Comparison of AA and EA males with normal Hb values (i.e., 13.0 g/dl or greater) indicated that observed mean Hb differences exist primarily at the lower end of the Hb distribution (i.e., the distribution is skewed to the left). Several factors are likely contributors to lower hemoglobin values at the lower end of the distribution, including hemoglobinopathies, thalassemias, and/or nutritional deficiencies. If racial differences exist between these groups, controlled prospective studies are necessary to demonstrate this possibility. This study supports a single Hb standard for AA and EA males.