Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a measurement that provides insight into the health of your red blood cells. Specifically, MCHC quantifies the average concentration of hemoglobin packed inside a single red blood cell relative to the cell’s volume. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein responsible for binding and transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Therefore, the MCHC value reflects the efficiency of your blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
Understanding Low MCHC
A low MCHC result indicates that red blood cells contain a lower than normal concentration of hemoglobin, a condition known as hypochromia, meaning the cells appear paler. This finding is frequently associated with microcytic anemia, where the red blood cells are also smaller than usual. The most common underlying reason for this reduced hemoglobin concentration is an iron deficiency, as iron is an essential component required for hemoglobin synthesis. Low MCHC can also stem from deficiencies in certain B vitamins, such as B6 (pyridoxine), which are cofactors necessary for the body to utilize iron effectively in the creation of hemoglobin. Chronic inflammation or disease can also suppress the body’s ability to properly mobilize and utilize stored iron. Identifying the specific deficiency or condition causing the low MCHC is the foundation for effective dietary and medical strategies.
Dietary Strategies for Raising Iron Levels
The most direct way to address low MCHC is by increasing the dietary intake of iron, focusing on the two main forms available in food. Heme iron is found exclusively in animal sources, such as red meat, poultry, and fish, and is highly bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb it readily. Non-heme iron is found in plant-based foods, such as beans, lentils, dark leafy greens like spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. This form constitutes the majority of dietary iron intake for many people, but its absorption rate is significantly lower and more variable. For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, consuming a variety of plant sources becomes especially important to meet iron needs. Incorporating both types of iron, when possible, is the most robust approach to maximizing iron input.
Enhancing Nutrient Absorption
Consuming iron-rich foods is only one part of the solution; the body must also be able to absorb and utilize the nutrient efficiently. A powerful enhancer of non-heme iron absorption is Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which can convert the iron into a more soluble and absorbable form in the gut. Pairing non-heme iron sources, like a lentil soup or fortified breakfast cereal, with a source of Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, or tomatoes, can significantly multiply the amount of iron the body takes in.
Conversely, certain dietary components can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. Phytates, found in whole grains, nuts, and legumes, and tannins, found in tea and coffee, can bind to iron and reduce its bioavailability. To minimize this inhibitory effect, it is advisable to consume tea and coffee between meals rather than with them. Additionally, high doses of calcium, often found in dairy or supplements, can also interfere with iron uptake, suggesting a need to separate calcium and iron-rich meals or supplements by several hours.
When Professional Medical Input is Necessary
While diet and lifestyle changes are helpful, low MCHC should always be investigated by a healthcare professional. A complete blood count (CBC) is necessary to confirm the low MCHC value and rule out other types of anemia or underlying conditions. The cause of low MCHC may not simply be dietary but could be due to chronic conditions like blood loss from a gastrointestinal issue or heavy menstruation, or malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease.
Self-treating with over-the-counter iron supplements without medical guidance carries risks, as excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity and cause gastrointestinal side effects. A doctor can determine the precise root cause and prescribe the correct type and dosage of iron, which may involve oral supplements taken for several months or, in cases of severe deficiency or malabsorption, intravenous iron infusions. Addressing the root cause, rather than just the symptom, is the only way to ensure long-term resolution of low MCHC.