Low Hemoglobin Concentration in Blood Tests: Signs and Origins
Anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, can stem from a variety of factors. These include blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell destruction.
Common causes of anemia include blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, internal bleeding due to injuries, ulcers, gastrointestinal cancers, or postpartum hemorrhage. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin C, can also impair red blood cell production, leading to anemia.
Chronic diseases such as kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma) can cause anemia by affecting bone marrow function or causing chronic inflammation. Bone marrow disorders like aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes reduce the marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells. Hemolysis, or increased destruction of red blood cells, occurs in disorders such as sickle cell anemia and porphyria.
Genetic disorders like thalassemia, certain infections like malaria, and some medications or treatments can also contribute to anemia. Cancers prone to causing bleeding, such as colon and stomach cancer, are associated with low MCHC.
The MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) test is a crucial part of the complete blood count (CBC) during blood analysis. It helps evaluate the severity and cause of anemia. A low MCHC indicates that red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal, typically seen in hypochromic anemias. This test result helps in diagnosing the type of anemia and guiding treatment.
Low MCHC suggests iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia because the red blood cells are paler due to insufficient hemoglobin. In contrast, normal or high MCHC might point toward other causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency or hemolytic anemia. Identifying a low MCHC directs clinicians to investigate iron status and potentially initiate iron supplementation or dietary modifications.
In some cases, a low MCHC level may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as celiac disease or cancer. Pernicious anemia, caused by a diet deficient in vitamin B-12 or an inability to absorb vitamin B-12, is another example.
Treatment for anemia may include dietary changes, supplements, medication, or blood transfusions. In severe cases of iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplements, intravenous iron therapy, or a blood transfusion may be required. Synthetic forms of the human erythropoietin protein can also be used instead of a blood transfusion to stimulate the bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
Some types of anemia may last a lifetime but can be managed with medication and dietary changes. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
[1] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Anemia. Retrieved from
- Anemia, a condition marked by reduced red blood cells or hemoglobin, can be caused by multiple factors such as heavy menstrual bleeding, internal bleeding, ulcers, or gastrointestinal cancers.
- Nutritional deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or vitamin C can cause anemia by impairing red blood cell production.
- Chronic diseases like kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers can affect bone marrow function or cause chronic inflammation, leading to anemia.
- Bone marrow disorders like aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes reduce the marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells.
- Hemolysis, or increased red blood cell destruction, occurs in disorders such as sickle cell anemia and porphyria.
- Genetic disorders like thalassemia, certain infections, medications, or treatments can contribute to anemia.
- Cancers prone to causing bleeding, such as colon and stomach cancer, are associated with low MCHC.
- The MCHC test helps evaluate the severity and cause of anemia and is a crucial part of the complete blood count (CBC) during blood analysis.
- A low MCHC indicates red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal and can point towards iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia.
- Normal or high MCHC levels might suggest other causes of anemia such as vitamin B12 deficiency or hemolytic anemia.
- Identifying a low MCHC directs clinicians to investigate iron status and potentially initiate iron supplementation or dietary modifications.
- In some cases, a low MCHC level may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as celiac disease or cancer.
- Pernicious anemia, caused by a diet deficient in vitamin B-12 or an inability to absorb vitamin B-12, is another example.
- Treatment for anemia may include dietary changes, supplements, medication, or blood transfusions.
- Synthetic forms of the human erythropoietin protein can be used instead of a blood transfusion to stimulate the bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
- Some types of anemia may last a lifetime but can be managed with medication and dietary changes.
- It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for anemia.
- In addition to anemia, chronic diseases such as diabetes, sclerosis, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders can affect overall health and wellness, including cardiovascular health, skin care, mental health, and men's health.
- Management of chronic diseases often involves fitness and exercise, nutrition, workplace-wellness programs, therapies and treatments, and addressing related medical conditions like digestive health, respiratory conditions, eye-health, hearing, and sexual-health.
