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.
Is it bad if MCH is low?
What Do Low MCH Levels Mean? Your MCH dips below normal when your body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin. One reason for this is microcytic anemia. That means your red blood cells are too small.
What does Chcm mean in a blood test?
The ADVIA hematology analyzer also provides a CHCM, which is the mean of the optically measured hemoglobin concentration within the cells, i.e. per unit volume (g/dL), and, like the MCHC, takes into account the volume of the cell.
How do you treat 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.
What does it mean to have high or low MCHC?
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues within your body. Your MCHC can fall into low, normal, and high ranges even if your red blood cell count is normal.
What foods should I eat if I have low MCHC?
The best way to prevent a low MCHC level is to prevent iron deficiency anemia. To do this, try to make sure you’re getting enough iron and vitamin B-6 in your diet. Foods rich in iron include: spinach. beans. seafood. red meat, pork, and poultry. peas.
What causes low MCHC and hypochromic microcytic anemia?
In more rare cases, low MCHC and hypochromic microcytic anemia can be caused by: cancer, including cancers that cause internal blood loss. parasitic infections like hookworm infections. lead poisoning.