Low MCHC In Blood Tests: Symptoms And Causes

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What to know about low MCHC in blood tests

Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — Written by Peter Morales-Brown — Updated on January 9, 2026

Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Summary

A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) means red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. If a blood test shows MCHC levels, this may indicate anemia.

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein. It is responsible for the red color in blood and for circulating oxygen around the body. The lack of oxygen caused by a low hemoglobin concentration may cause fatigue and other anemia symptoms.

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) test is a standard component of the complete blood count (CBC) test, and the MCHC value can help assess the severity and cause of anemia.

Low hemoglobin may help a healthcare professional determine the cause of a person’s anemia. Treatment can depend on the cause and type of anemia.

Read on to learn more about low MCHC levels, including the possible causes and symptoms, treatment options, and more.

Causes of low MCHC

Low MCHC occurs when red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. This can lead to anemia.

Conditions and factors that can cause low levels of hemoglobin and anemia include:

pregnancy
menstruation
infections
conditions affecting the intestines
blood loss

Chronic conditions that increase the likelihood of low MCHC and anemia include:

rheumatoid arthritis
liver disease
thyroid disease
kidney disease
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
cancer

The following types of anemia are associated with a low hemoglobin concentration.

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by an iron-deficient diet or an inability to absorb iron. When less iron is available for red blood cell development, the red blood cells become smaller and paler.

Pernicious anemia

Pernicious anemia can be caused by a diet lacking in vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia also affects people who cannot absorb vitamin B12.

Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Hemolytic anemia

Hemolytic anemia happens when red blood cells are removed from the body before the end of their life span and are not replaced quickly enough by the bone marrow.

»Learn more:What does a high MCHC mean?

Symptoms of low MCHC

A slightly low hemoglobin concentration does not always produce noticeable symptoms and may not always be a sign of illness.

Some people are unaware that they have low hemoglobin until they have a routine blood screening.

Other people may develop noticeable symptoms, including:

weakness and fatigue
shortness of breath
pale skin and gums
fast or irregular heartbeat
cold hands or feet
dizziness or headache
lack of concentration
chest pain

Can low MCHC diagnose anemia?

Low MCHC levels can help diagnose anemia, but further tests are usually necessary to help determine the cause of low hemoglobin and the type of anemia.

Doctors usually diagnose anemia when the hemoglobin value is less than 13.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) in men or less than 12.0 g/dL in women. In children, typical hemoglobin values vary with age.

A doctor may also check values such as:

vitamin B12 and folate
ferritin and iron saturation

Folate and vitamin B12 help the body produce red blood cells. Ferritin is an iron-containing blood protein, while iron saturation is the amount of iron that is available to use.

If internal bleeding is a factor, then a person may require an endoscopy or an X-ray.

Treating low MCHC levels and anemia

Treating anemia following a diagnosis can help manage MCHC levels.

Treatments for anemia can depend on the type and severity of anemia, but may include:

iron supplements
vitamin B12 supplements
blood transfusion
blood and bone marrow transplant
surgery to stop any internal bleeding

»Learn more:What to know about the medications to treat anemia

Preventing low MCHC levels and anemia

Some types of anemia are preventable by following a diet that has enough:

iron
vitamin B12
folate
vitamin C

These help to produce healthy blood cells.

Red meat, poultry, and seafood are all good sources of iron. Vegetarians and vegans may need to increase their iron intake with foods such as:

beans
lentils
tofu
peas

Iron-fortified food products can also be helpful. These include cereals, soya, nut milks, and some orange juice brands.

Summary

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) blood test measures MCHC levels. Low MCHC suggests that the red blood cells do not have sufficient hemoglobin, which can indicate anemia.

Low MCHC levels may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they can include symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and dizziness.

The MCHC test can help a doctor determine the cause and severity of anemia. Treatment can vary based on factors such as the individual’s general health and any underlying health conditions.

Blood / Hematology
Nutrition / Diet

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Anemia. (n.d.).https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia
Anemia: Treatment and management. (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/treatment
Badireddy M, et al. (2023). Chronic anemia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534803/

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Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — Written by Peter Morales-Brown — Updated on January 9, 2026

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Causes of low MCHC

Iron deficiency anemia

Pernicious anemia

Aplastic anemia

Hemolytic anemia

Symptoms of low MCHC

Can low MCHC diagnose anemia?

Treating low MCHC levels and anemia

Preventing low MCHC levels and anemia

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