Understanding Low MCHC Levels: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment Options

Ever seen your blood test reports and wondered what MCHC means, especially when it is marked as low? MCHC stands for "Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration," which indicates the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells. When it is low, this can be a sign of several health issues. But what MCHC blood test low value mean, and how does it affect your health? This blog will give answers!

What does MCHC Low Value mean in a blood Test?

MCHC, or Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration, blood test that measures how much hemoglobin is present in red blood cells. It evaluates low hemoglobin content per red blood cell. This test helps doctors understand whether the red blood cells (RBCs) are functioning properly. If the test shows a low MCHC value, it indicates that the RBCs don’t have sufficient oxygen to carry to the tissue, which could point to underlying health problems, often related to a lack of hemoglobin.

So, keeping track of MCHC levels is important for monitoring overall health and ensuring proper oxygen circulation in the body.

Causes of Low MCHC Levels 

Here’s a list of causes of low MCHC levels in a blood test: 

1. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

• In this case, the antibodies start to attack the red blood cells. But the cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia is unknown.

• The destruction of red blood cells can also occur in lupus and lymphoma. As a result, you can see that the value of MCHC will fall.

2. Hereditary Spherocytosis

• Hereditary spherocytosis starts destroying the membrane of red blood cells and leads to low levels.

• It is a genetic mutation and doesn't need any genetic test to be done. However, blood tests and family history are sufficient to gather data. 

3. Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Anemia is a condition in which a few red blood cells are formed due to iron deficiency caused by a low iron-rich diet or the inability of the body to absorb iron. 

• When less is present for the development of RBCs, it results in smaller & paler RBCs, leading to low concentration of hemoglobin, which contributes to low MCHC levels.

4. Pernicious Anemia 

• This type of anemia is caused by a Vitamin B12-deficient diet or an inability of the body to absorb vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of BBCs.

• When there is not enough vitamin B12, RBCs can’t carry sufficient oxygen, resulting in a reduced concentration of hemoglobin, leading to low MCHC levels. 

5. Bone Marrow Defects

• Bone marrow defects are a condition where stem cells are damaged.

• As a result, the bone marrow is left with fewer or no cells to produce red blood cells, leading to low hemoglobin and then a low MCHC value.

6. Kidney Disease

• Chronic renal failure or renal problems can damage the kidneys, making them produce not enough erythropoietin, which signals the production of red blood cells.

• Consequently, there is a low red blood cell concentration, which leads to a fall in the value of MCHC.

Additional conditions that cause low MCHC values are:

• Enlarged Spleen

• Porphyria (inability of the body to produce heme, a crucial molecule in RBCs)

• Urinary Tract Infection

• Thalassemia (an inherited blood disorder marked by low production of hemoglobin)

• Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels)

• Hemolysis (premature rupture of RBCs)

• Leukemia (blood cancer that affects bone marrow)

• Gastrointestinal Tumors

• Inflammatory disorders

Common Symptoms of Low MCHC: Are You at Risk?

Here is a look at a few MCHC low symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Pale skin and gums

• Weakness

• Jaundice

• Fever

• Fainting

• Abdominal discomfort

• Lack of concentration

• Fast and irregular breaths

• Cold hands and extremities

• Loss of stamina

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Easy bruising

People with low MCHC levels show similar symptoms related to anemia. If you are developing any signs, go and book your appointment to check your blood reports.

How is MCHC Diagnosed?

MCHC is diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test.

Complete blood count (CBC) test:

• This test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. The doctor takes a small sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed to check your MCHC levels. 

• If your MCHC is low, it could mean you have a problem with your red blood cells, such as anemia or an iron deficiency. Your doctor may recommend further tests based on the results.

Checking Iron Levels

• Using the same blood drawn for the CBC test, the doctor may also check the body's iron levels & iron-binding capacity.

• This helps the providers measure how well the body absorbs the iron, allowing them to determine the cause of anemia. 

Other diagnostic tests:

The healthcare providers may also suggest these tests to diagnose other conditions:

• Endoscopy: Detects ulcers and cancer in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

• X-rays: Examine the presence of ulcers in your small intestine and stomach.

• Fecal occult blood test: Detects blood in the stool.

• Colonoscopy: Detects colon cancer or other abnormalities that cause bleeding in the colon.

• Additional blood tests: Check for Celiac or Crohn’s disease.

How to Prepare for the MCHC Blood Test?

Before the blood test:

• You may need to avoid eating or drinking anything if the healthcare providers order some tests.

• Always follow what your doctor has instructed.

During the blood test:

• You will be asked to sit and stretch your arm.

• The provider will gently clean the injection area using an alcohol wipe.

• Next, they will tie a rubber band above the injection site so that excess blood collects in that area from where they will take blood samples.

• Then, they will insert a needle in the area, take blood, and collect it in a collection tube.

• At last, the provider will put a cotton ball in the injection area to stop bleeding.

• The procedure will take less than 5 minutes.

After the blood test:

• The blood sample will be tested in the laboratory.

• You can leave after the test unless you are feeling light-headed.

• You may notice a little bruise in the injection site and soreness in your arm, but these symptoms will resolve in some time. 

Understanding the Results of an MCHC Diagnosis

• Average MCHC Levels: The typical normal MCHC value is 32-37 g/dL. This range can differ based on the type of test and technology used.

• Low MCHC Levels: The range below 32 g/dL indicates low MCHC levels. This value helps doctors understand how well your red blood cells are working to carry oxygen. Low MCHC levels usually mean there is less hemoglobin in your red blood cells, which can lead to various health problems like:

• Anemia or iron deficiency

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Chronic diseases affecting blood cells

• Bone marrow issues

• Poor nutrition

• High MCHC Levels: Above 36 g/dL is considered high MCHC levels, which is uncommon. This value is seen in red blood cell-related disorders such as hereditary spherocytosis, hyperchromia, or sickle cell disease.

Evaluating the result, the providers can decide the best treatment for your condition.

Treatment for Low MCHC Levels

There are various ways we can manage the low MCHC levels and produce sufficient red blood cells.

1. Dietary Modifications 

Modifying your diet by adding iron-rich and Vitamin B6 & B12-rich foods can help with the easy absorption of iron and the production of a large number of red blood cells. 

Iron-rich foods are:

• Beans

• Seafood

• Red meat

• Pork

• Poultry

• Peas

• Spinach

Vitamin B6-rich foods are:

• Bananas

• Wild (not farmed) tuna

• Chicken breast

• Salmon

• Sweet potato

• Spinach

Vitamin B12-rich foods are:

• Eggs

• Yogurt

• Dairy

• Turkey

2.  Supplements 

Supplementation plays a critical role in preventing deficiency in the body. But, before taking any supplements, take advice from the doctor about their side effects. The supplements are:

• Vitamin B12

• Iron tablets

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin C

3. Medications 

The doctor most likely advises you to use these medications:

• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent: Triggers the bone marrow to produce more RBCs, a study says. 

• Intravenous or IV iron therapy: Involves giving iron directly into the vein to boost the iron levels in the blood.

• Birth control pills: Control heavy bleeding in females.

• Prednisone and corticosteroids: Given to treat autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks its red blood cells.

• Injectafer: Replenishes lost iron stores, increasing iron levels quickly.

• Vitamin B12 shots: Research reports that it treats anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

4. Blood Transfusion 

If all the therapies stop working and the red blood cell destruction rate becomes faster, then the option left for severely low counts is blood transfusion.

• Blood transfusion involves giving the donor blood intravenously to the patient, which helps provide enough RBCs, which, in turn, increases hemoglobin in the blood. This prevents severe anemia. 

• This procedure should be given under the supervision of an expert.

• There should be correct matching of donated and received blood.

• On top of that, 24 hours is sufficient to raise the blood. Therefore, it is quite effective for all treatments. 

5. Splenectomy 

• This surgical procedure involves removing the spleen, which is considered an effective treatment when the destruction rate of RBCs becomes high due to a condition like hereditary spherocytosis. 

• Removing the spleen will cause a slight loss of red blood cells from the body, resulting in low MCHC levels. 

Complications Associated with Low Levels of MCHC

As low MCHC levels are associated with certain health conditions, which, if left untreated, can lead to the following complications:

• Lack of energy and low stamina, impacting daily activities.

• Anemic hypoxia (the low oxygen-carrying ability of the blood).

• Mood changes and irritability, especially in chronic cases.

• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating.

• Weak immune system

• Cardiovascular problems like rapid heart rate, heart failure, or an enlarged heart.

• Pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and high risk of maternal death.

• Growth and development issues in children.

• Osteoporosis (weak bones).

• Increased risk of falls in the elderly.

• Restless leg syndrome (uncontrollable urge to move the legs).

Are Cancers Associated with Low MCHC?

Yes, cancers are associated with low MCHC. The following are the types of those cancers: 

• Leukemia and Lymphoma: These are bone marrow-related cancers that affect the bone marrow, which is responsible for RBCs' production. This leads to low hemoglobin, which results in a low MCHC value.

• Stomach and Colon Cancer: The cancers that increase the risk of bleeding, reducing hemoglobin levels in the blood. This consequently affects MCHC levels. 

Awareness of these connections is important for diagnosing and managing cancer-related anemia. Early detection and treatment help manage both the cancer and the related low MCHC levels.

Tips to Prevent Low MCHC Levels

Preventing low levels of MCHC involves maintaining a healthy diet and addressing any health issues early. 

• Eat iron-rich foods like red meat and spinach.

• Include vitamin B12 and B6 in your diet.

• Take iron supplements if needed, but consult your doctor first.

• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can damage red blood cells.

• Stay hydrated to help your blood flow properly.

• Get regular blood tests to monitor your MCHC.

• Treat any underlying health conditions early.

• Exercise regularly to improve circulation.

• Reduce stress, as it can impact your overall health.

Summing Up

The MCHC blood test low value can indicate several underlying health which can be concerning but treatable once diagnosed. Regular checkups through blood tests are important, especially in cancer patients to find anything mishappening in the early stage. Also, maintaining an iron-rich and vitamin-rich diet can help with healthy blood cells. If you see any symptoms of low MCHC levels, report them to a doctor immediately to prevent further complications. 

Always monitor your symptoms and signs of MCHC Blood Test Low levels that may help you with early treatment.