MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
MCV is the average size of your red blood cells. It's the most useful clue to why someone is anemic, because different causes make the cells smaller or larger.
Your reading
This app uses 80–100 femtolitres. Small cells (low MCV) most often mean iron deficiency; some inherited conditions like thalassemia trait do it too. Large cells (high MCV) point to low B12 or folate, regular alcohol use, thyroid or liver issues, or certain medications.
What may help
- —Iron-rich foods, with vitamin C, if MCV is low and ferritin confirms low iron
- —B12 (meat, fish, dairy, or a supplement on a vegan diet) and folate (greens, legumes) if MCV is high
- —Cutting back on alcohol, which enlarges red cells over time
When to talk to a doctor
If MCV is outside the range, especially alongside low hemoglobin. The cause decides the treatment, so it's worth testing iron, B12 and folate rather than guessing.
Common questions
What is MCV?
MCV is the average size of your red blood cells. It's the most useful clue to why someone is anemic, because different causes make the cells smaller or larger.
What is a normal MCV level?
Daygo uses 80–100 fL as the reference range. This app uses 80–100 femtolitres. Small cells (low MCV) most often mean iron deficiency; some inherited conditions like thalassemia trait do it too. Large cells (high MCV) point to low B12 or folate, regular alcohol use, thyroid or liver issues, or certain medications.
How can I improve my MCV?
Iron-rich foods, with vitamin C, if MCV is low and ferritin confirms low iron. B12 (meat, fish, dairy, or a supplement on a vegan diet) and folate (greens, legumes) if MCV is high. Cutting back on alcohol, which enlarges red cells over time.
When should I see a doctor about MCV?
If MCV is outside the range, especially alongside low hemoglobin. The cause decides the treatment, so it's worth testing iron, B12 and folate rather than guessing.
Source: MedlinePlus (NIH): Complete Blood Count. Reference ranges are standard adult intervals — your own lab may report a different range for your age, sex, or method. This isn't medical advice; always go by the range on your actual results and talk to a clinician about anything that concerns you.