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

Do you know what it means when your MCHC blood test is low? MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and it measures how much hemoglobin is in your red blood cells. When MCHC is low, it can be a sign of different health problems, but what exactly causes it? 

A study published by the Journal of Hematology found that low MCHC levels are linked to conditions like anemia, iron deficiency, and even chronic diseases. Globally, around 25% of the population suffers from anemia, which often shows up as low MCHC. So, what does MCHC low mean for your health? Let's explore.

What is MCHC?

MCHC, or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, is a measure used in blood tests to determine how much hemoglobin is present in red blood cells. This test helps doctors understand if the red blood cells are functioning properly. If the MCHC level is too low, it could point to underlying health problems, often related to a lack of hemoglobin. 

MCHC low means there could be issues like iron deficiency or certain types of anemia, where the red blood cells struggle to carry enough oxygen throughout the body. Keeping track of MCHC levels is important for monitoring overall health and ensuring proper oxygen circulation in the body.

What causes the MCHC blood test low value?  

Various conditions and diseases result in low blood test counts. Moreover, the two main factors are that hemoglobin gets concentrated with red blood cells, and red blood cells get fragile and destroyed early. A list of mchc blood test low causes are: 

1. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia -

In this case, the antibodies start to attack their red blood cells. The cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia is unknown. The destruction of red blood cells can also develop in lupus and lymphoma. As a result, you can see 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. Anemia -

Anemia is a condition in which a few red blood cells are formed. This could be due to iron deficiency. If it is cancer, it can be a life-threatening condition. If a person is suffering from an ulcer, wound, or hemorrhoid, then there will be blood loss which causes low MCHC. 

4. Iron Deficiency Anemia -

The iron deficiency diet may lead to anemia because maybe the person is taking low iron or cannot absorb iron in the body. The less iron in the body forms fewer or smaller red blood cells in the body.

5. Pernicious Anemia -

Due to the deficiency of Vitamin B12, the number of red blood cells falls. The person is unable to make an enzyme that helps in the absorption of Vitamin B12. Additionally, Vitamin B12 helps to produce red blood cells and their functions.

6. Bone Marrow Defects -

Bone marrow defects are a condition where stem cells get damaged. As a result, the bone marrow is left with fewer or no cells to produce red blood cells. This leads to low hemoglobin and then a low MCHC value.

7. Kidney Disease -

Suppose the patient is suffering from chronic renal failure or renal problems. Following that kidney stops or does not produce enough erythropoietin that signals the production of red blood cells. Consequently, low red blood cell concentration leads to a fall in the value of MCHC. Additional conditions which cause low MCHC values are:

• Enlarged Spleen

• Porphyria

• Urinary Tract Infection

• Thalassemia

• Vasculitis

• Hemolysis

• Leukemia

• Gastrointestinal Tumors

• Inflammatory disorders

Common Symptoms of Low MCHC: Are You at Risk?

There are copious symptoms associated with low MCHC. You can check out if you are at risk of developing low hemoglobin. 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. This test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. The doctor will take 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.

Understanding the results of an MCHC diagnosis

The results of an MCHC test help 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.

• Low levels may show anemia or iron deficiency.

• It can point to vitamin B12 deficiency.

• The results might suggest chronic diseases affecting blood cells.

• Sometimes, it could be a sign of bone marrow issues.

• Low MCHC may be linked to poor nutrition.

• The results can help decide the best treatment for your condition.

Are cancers associated with low MCHC?

Yes, cancers associated with low MCHC can include certain types like leukemia or cancers affecting the bone marrow. These cancers can impact the production and quality of red blood cells, leading to low hemoglobin concentration. When the bone marrow is affected by cancer, it may not produce enough healthy red blood cells. 

This can result in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Early detection and proper treatment are essential to manage both the cancer and the related low MCHC levels.

What to do to prevent low levels of MCHC?

Preventing low levels of MCHC involves maintaining a healthy diet and addressing any health issues early. Knowing how to prevent low MCHC can help keep your red blood cells healthy and strong.

• 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.

Treatment for low MCHC levels -

There are various ways we can prevent the low MCHC blood test in the body and produce sufficient red blood cells.

1. Dietary Modifications 

You can modify your diet by adding iron-rich foods. So that your body can easily absorb iron and produce a large number of red blood cells. The food which is rich in iron are:

• Beans

• Seafood

• Red meat

• Pork

• Poultry

• Peas

• Spinach

Vitamin B6 is also an important component for the absorption of iron and the production of red blood cells to prevent low much level are:

• Bananas

• Wild (not farmed) tuna

• Chicken breast

• Salmon

• Sweet potato

• Spinach

2.  Supplements 

A crucial part of the low MCHC blood test treatment is to provide efficient treatment. Supplementation plays a critical role in preventing deficiency in the body. Therefore, 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 

If you are a cancer patient, the doctor most likely advises you to use an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, which helps produce and function red blood cells.  In autoimmune disorders, prednisone and corticosteroids are the first lines of treatment to prevent the immune system from attacking its red blood cells. Additionally, rituximab is an immunotherapy that helps steroids work better and helps to normalize the level of MCHC in the body.

4. Injections for low MCHC

Be careful if you are receiving any injections. Try to receive medicine in the hospital sector or clinic only. Inj. Doctors widely suggest dextran levels the hemoglobin by increasing iron in the body. Epoetin Injection is an artificial erythropoietin that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It is used to treat severe anemia and patients with severe kidney issues.

5. Blood Transfusion 

If all the therapies stop working, red blood cells' destruction rate becomes faster. Then the option left for severely low counts is blood transfusion. This provides enough blood components to the patient to prevent severe anemia. Blood transfusion should be given under the supervision of an expert. There should be correct matching of donated and receipt blood. On top of that, 24 hours is sufficient to raise the blood. Therefore, it is quite effective for all treatments. 

6. Splenectomy 

Removing the spleen is considered an effective surgical treatment because the destruction rate becomes faster when the red blood cells don't form much. Then the splenectomy is the preferred choice because seen is the graveyard of red blood cells. If we remove the spleen, there will be a slighter loss of red blood cells from the body.

Takeaway 

The low level of MCHC blood tests is important in blood tests, especially in cancer patients. It is a must to do regular checkups so that you can find anything mishappening in the early stage. Do always take the advice of the doctor. Every person should know the underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment. It doesn't mean you can take medicine at your own risk. Be careful and be aware of the side effects. Always monitor your symptoms and signs of MCHC Blood Test Low levels that may help you with early treatment.