Hemoglobin,
the oxygen carrying molecule, normally exists predominantly in the ferrous state
(Fe2+), which is its functional form. Hemoglobin can also exist in the ferric state
(Fe3+), known as methemoglobin.
High
concentrations of methemoglobin (methemoglobinemia) cause blood to appear brown
and ‘chocolaty’ in color - chocolate colored blood.
Methemoglobin
can occur because of heredity, exposure to drugs and chemicals.
Reference:
Ramanamurty SV. Methemoglobinemia: A
Reappraisal with an Indian Perspective. Medicine Update 2013. Chapter 77. Available http://www.apiindia.org/medicine_update_2013/chap77.pdf
Accessed 13 December 2014.
Blood, chocolate
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