What does a low MCV indicate?

Low MCV. The MCV will be lower than normal when red blood cells are too small. This condition is called microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia may be caused by: iron deficiency, which can be caused by poor dietary intake of iron, menstrual bleeding, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

How do you treat low MCV?

Can low MCHC levels be treated?

1. Increase iron in your diet.
2. Take iron supplements.
3. Get more vitamin B6, which is necessary for proper absorption of iron.
4. Add more fiber to your diet, which can help improve the intestinal absorption of iron.

Does low MCV mean anemia?

If the MCV is low (less than 80), the anemia is categorized as microcytic anemia (low red blood cell volume). If the MCV is in the normal range (80-100), it is called a normocytic anemia (normal red blood cell volume). If the MCV is high, then it is called a macrocytic anemia (large red blood cell volume).

What causes elevated MCV levels?

The MCV becomes elevated if there is a problem with red blood cells dividing when they are being produced in the bone marrow. Common causes of elevated MCV include alcohol use, low levels of Vitamin B12 or folate. MCH measures the amount of hemoglobin in the average red blood cell.

What causes low MCV count?

Low MCV count meanwhile is called microcytic anemia and is usually caused by iron deficiency secondary to poor nutrition, blood loss in the gastro-intestinal region, blood loss during menstruation, and or some chronic disease. If there is iron deficiency, the MCV could be as low as 60 femtoliters.

What causes high MCV?

Cirrhosis (a type of disease that destroys the liver) can cause high MCV levels. Another cause of a high MCV level is alcohol abuse . Hypothyroidism can cause the MCV level to be too high. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the neck

How to reduce MCV?

Treatment for low or high MCH. Low MCH. 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 .