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Is low MCH serious?
A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat in order to produce hemoglobin.
Why would MCH levels be low?
Low MCH levels usually occur as a result of iron deficiency that has led to anemia. Doctors may recommend that individuals add more iron and vitamin B6 to their diet. Eating vitamin C and fiber, along with foods that contain iron, may also help increase the MCH levels.
What does MCHC mean in a blood test when it is low?
A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) shows that someone’s red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, and a lack of it may indicate anemia. Hemoglobin is responsible for the red color in blood and for circulating oxygen around the body.
What diet causes macrocytic anemia?
A folate deficiency, sometimes known as vitamin B-9 deficiency, can also cause macrocytic anemia. Pregnant and breast-feeding women use more folate and have a higher risk of becoming deficient. People who do not eat enough folate-rich foods can also become deficient.
How can I increase my iron levels quickly?
If you have iron-deficiency anemia, taking iron orally or getting iron administered intravenously along with vitamin C is often the fastest way to raise your iron levels….Food sources of vitamin B12 include:
- Meat.
- Chicken.
- Fish.
- Eggs.
- Fortified breads, pasta, rice, and cereals.
What’s a dangerously low hemoglobin level?
Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as less than 13.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (135 grams per liter) of blood for men and less than 12 grams per deciliter (120 grams per liter) for women.
What causes high levels of MCH?
High MCH scores are commonly a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body. High MCH scores may also be the result of the following:
How can low MCHC affect my body?
The most common complication of living with low MCHC levels is lack of energy and decreased stamina. This can limit your activities. In severe cases, anemic hypoxia can occur as a result of low MCHC levels. When MCHC levels are very low, your body could struggle to provide enough oxygen to all its tissues.
How to reduce MCH levels?
Treatment for low MCH caused by iron deficiency can include adding iron-rich foods to your diet (there are even vegetarian options) and taking iron supplements . In rare cases, such as when symptoms are severe or blood loss has occurred, you may need a blood transfusion. People with mild thalassemia may not require treatment.
Why would MCH be low?
Your MCH levels could also be low if your body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells — a condition called thalassemia. The name refers to a group of blood disorders that a person has at birth. You get it from your parents’ genes. When you have low MCH, your red blood cells carry less oxygen through your body.
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