Does metabolic turnover replace red blood cells every 120 days?

Yes, metabolic turnover replaces red blood cells every 120 days.

Red blood cells have an average lifespan of 120 days in the human body. During this time, they circulate throughout the body, delivering oxygen to cells and removing waste products. As red blood cells age, they become less efficient at performing these tasks and are eventually removed from circulation by the spleen and liver.

The process of red blood cell turnover is known as erythropoiesis. It begins in the bone marrow, where stem cells develop into red blood cells. The new red blood cells are then released into the bloodstream, where they begin their 120-day journey.

Erythropoiesis is regulated by a hormone called erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. When oxygen levels are low, the kidneys produce more erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.

The turnover of red blood cells is an essential process for maintaining a healthy body. It ensures that the body has a constant supply of fresh, oxygen-rich red blood cells.