A low Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) reading on a blood test can indicate that red blood cells contain a reduced amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Understanding this measurement is a step toward identifying potential underlying health conditions.
Understanding MCHC
MCHC stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration, and it measures the average concentration of hemoglobin within a certain volume of red blood cells. This measurement is part of a complete blood count (CBC), a common blood test that provides information about the composition, size, and volume of various blood cells.
Normal MCHC values range between 32 and 36 grams per deciliter (g/dL), though this can vary among laboratories. A low MCHC indicates red blood cells are paler than usual due to lower hemoglobin concentration, affecting their ability to carry oxygen.
Common Causes of Low MCHC
A low MCHC often points to conditions where the body struggles to produce sufficient hemoglobin, leading to red blood cells that are smaller and paler than normal, a condition known as microcytic hypochromic anemia. The most frequent cause for a low MCHC is iron deficiency anemia. Insufficient iron impacts the body’s ability to synthesize hemoglobin, as iron is a necessary component of this oxygen-carrying protein. This deficiency can arise from inadequate dietary iron intake, chronic blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal bleeding, or impaired iron absorption due to conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.
Other conditions can also lead to a low MCHC. Thalassemia, a group of genetic blood disorders, affects the body’s ability to produce normal hemoglobin, resulting in decreased hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells. Sideroblastic anemia, a rarer disorder, involves the body’s inability to properly use iron to make hemoglobin, even if iron stores are adequate. Chronic diseases, including kidney disease or certain cancers, can also interfere with red blood cell production, potentially leading to low MCHC levels. Lead poisoning and vitamin B6 deficiency are additional, though less common, causes that can impair hemoglobin synthesis.
Associated Symptoms
When MCHC levels are low, the body’s tissues and organs may not receive enough oxygen, leading to a range of symptoms. Fatigue and weakness are common complaints, along with a decreased ability to sustain physical activity.
Reduced oxygen delivery can also manifest as pale skin, visible due to the lower hemoglobin content in red blood cells that give blood its red color. Individuals might also experience shortness of breath, particularly during exercise, and dizziness or light-headedness. Other symptoms can include cold hands and feet, which occur as the body prioritizes blood flow to essential organs, and brittle nails. In more severe cases, reduced oxygen supply can lead to more concerning symptoms like chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
Next Steps and Management
If a blood test reveals a low MCHC, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance. A low MCHC is not a diagnosis on its own but rather an indicator that further investigation is needed to identify the underlying cause. The doctor will likely order additional blood tests, such as iron studies (e.g., serum ferritin levels) to assess iron stores, or hemoglobin electrophoresis to check for conditions like thalassemia.
Management strategies depend entirely on the identified cause of the low MCHC. For iron deficiency anemia, treatment often involves iron supplementation, either orally or intravenously, along with dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods. Foods rich in iron include lean meats, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals. In cases of thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia, specific medical treatments tailored to these conditions may be necessary. Addressing any underlying chronic diseases or other contributing factors is also a part of the comprehensive management plan.