I’m 26 years old and I participate in drug studies for a living and recently got rejected from one because my hemoglobin and hemotocrit were too low. My HDL cholesterol was too low as well. I’m thinking this is because I’m a recent vegetarian… its been about 5 months since I’ve stopped eating animal flesh. Otherwise, I’m healthy. I don’t smoke and my BMI is a low 19.
Since getting rejected, I’ve started taking a multivitamin with iron, started drinking one glass of red wine each night (to help increase my HDL) and started exercising every day as well. Any thoughts on what else I could be doing that I’m not already? I want to screen for another study in a week or so.
Your HDL is effected by your intake of saturated vs. unsaturated fats and your exercise level. Your hemoglobin is directly related to your intake of iron. Your hematocrit should not be low unless you’ve experienced blood loss, or your diet is very insufficient of protein and iron.
It’s very important that you get adequate protein despite being a vegetarian. You might try soy products or even protein supplement shakes. Green leafy veggies (spinach is great and yummy fresh or cooked!) have lots of iron. For your HDL, make sure you are getting enough physical exercise. Also make sure the majority of the fat you are taking in is unsaturated. The red wine is an acceptable supplement, but won’t do much on it’s own.
Hope this helps! Best wishes!