How does alcohol cause low hemoglobin?

Alcohol can lead to low hemoglobin levels primarily through its effects on the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced. Chronic alcohol consumption can cause damage to the bone marrow, impairing the production of red blood cells and leading to conditions like alcoholic anemia. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins like B12 and folate, which are crucial for red blood cell production. This combination of factors can result in decreased hemoglobin levels in the blood.