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Why is my MCV and MCH low?
Common conditions resulting in a hypochromic microcytic anemia (low MCV and MCH) include thalassemia and iron deficiency; and, less commonly, anemias associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, genetic determinants for Hb C, congenital defects in copper metabolism, some forms of sideroblastic anemia, and other …
How do you raise low MCV and MCH?
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 causes low MCV and MCHC?
This type of microcytic anemia can be caused by: lack of iron. inability of your body to absorb iron, which can be caused by conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and gastric bypass surgery. chronic low grade blood loss over time from a long menstrual cycle or peptic ulcers.
What should I eat if my MCV is low?
The institute also lists the following among non-meat foods that are good sources of iron:
- Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables.
- Tofu.
- Peas; lentils; white, red, and baked beans; soybeans; and chickpeas.
- Dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and apricots.
- Prune juice.
- Iron-fortified cereals and breads.
How is low MCV and MCH treated?
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.
What does high MCV and low MCHC indicate?
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.
What does a high MCH blood test result mean?
Any test results that are above 33 pg may be considered a high result. The most common reason for high MCH is the presence of macrocytic anemia. This is a disorder that causes the body to not produce enough red blood cells.
How to calculate MCV in blood?
The mean corpuscular volume, or mean cell volume (MCV), is a measure of the average volume of a red blood corpuscle (or red blood cell). The measure is attained by multiplying a volume of blood by the proportion of blood that is cellular (the hematocrit), and dividing that product by the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in that volume.
What does elevated MCV and MCh indicate?
Sometimes, slightly elevated levels of MCV and MCH are clinically insignificant but they can also signal a serious underlying problem. An MCV reading that exceeds 100 femtoliters is called macrocytosis, and it can result from several conditions. Macrocytosis that exists alongside anemia is called macrocytic anemia.