Iron Deficiency Anemia: Boosting MCV and Hemoglobin Levels

Iron deficiency anemia

During my last physical examination at the military academy, I was disqualified due to low MCV and hemoglobin levels.
My values were MCV 75.4 and hemoglobin 11.3.
The guidelines state that MCV must be above 80 and hemoglobin must be at least 12.
Previously, during a freshman health check, I was diagnosed with anemia and the doctor prescribed me a variety of iron supplements.
Given that my values are too low this time, can I consider this as iron deficiency anemia? I have also purchased a bottle of iron supplements from the pharmacy to take at home.
I would like to ask the doctor: if I only supplement with iron, will my MCV reach 80? I still want to retake the examination because I aspire to become a volunteer soldier; it is my dream.

Xiao Gui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/12

Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine

Dear Dr.
Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department:
Maintaining a balanced diet, adhering to a regular lifestyle, and engaging in regular exercise may seem like common advice, but when followed to a significant extent, it can indeed improve hematopoietic function and lead to normalization.
Here are some iron-rich foods for your reference:
Grains: millet, glutinous rice, sorghum, flour.

Meat, poultry, and eggs: lamb liver, lamb kidneys, beef kidneys, pork liver, chicken liver, chicken gizzards, duck eggs, chicken eggs.

Seafood: cuttlefish, ribbonfish, clams, jellyfish, dried shrimp, shrimp skins, seahorses, crucian carp.

Vegetables: pea shoots, celery, shepherd's purse, coriander (cilantro), mustard greens, Chinese cabbage, amaranth, chili peppers, loofah.

Legumes and their products: soybeans, black beans, sesame seeds, cowpeas, fava beans, peas, edamame, red fermented tofu, dried tofu skin, tofu puffs, dried tofu, soy milk.

Fungi and algae (very rich in iron): black fungus, kelp, nori, mushrooms.

Fruits: hawthorn berries, olives, crab apples, peaches, strawberries, grapes, cherries.

Nuts and seeds: watermelon seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, peanuts.

Condiments: sesame paste, bean paste, soy sauce.
Tainan Hospital wishes you good health and all the best!

Reply Date: 2006/05/12

More Info

Understanding iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is crucial, especially when it comes to meeting specific health requirements, such as those for military service. Based on your reported values of MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) at 75.4 and hemoglobin (Hb) at 11.3, it is indeed indicative of microcytic anemia, which is commonly associated with iron deficiency. The normal range for MCV is typically between 80 and 100 femtoliters, and for hemoglobin, it is generally around 12 to 16 g/dL for women and 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men. Your values are below these thresholds, suggesting that you may have iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is insufficient iron in the body to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, which can significantly impact your daily life and physical performance, including your ability to meet military standards.

The treatment for iron deficiency anemia typically involves iron supplementation. Oral iron supplements are commonly prescribed, and they can help increase your iron levels, which in turn can improve your hemoglobin and MCV values. However, it is important to note that the response to iron supplementation can vary from person to person. Factors such as the severity of the deficiency, the form of iron used, and individual absorption rates can all influence how quickly and effectively your body responds to treatment.

In your case, since you have already started taking iron supplements, it is essential to monitor your progress. It may take several weeks to months of consistent iron supplementation to see significant improvements in your MCV and hemoglobin levels. Regular follow-up blood tests will help determine if your levels are rising and if you are approaching the required thresholds for military service.

It is also important to consider dietary sources of iron. Incorporating iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals can complement your supplementation. Additionally, vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, so consuming foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, alongside your iron sources can be beneficial.

While self-medicating with over-the-counter iron supplements is common, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan. Over-supplementation of iron can lead to adverse effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort and potential iron overload, which can damage organs over time.

In summary, your low MCV and hemoglobin levels do suggest iron deficiency anemia, and with appropriate iron supplementation and dietary adjustments, it is possible to improve these values. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider will be key to ensuring that you reach the necessary levels for your military aspirations. If you have any further concerns or if your symptoms persist despite treatment, seeking a comprehensive evaluation from a hematologist or your primary care physician would be prudent.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns

I have thalassemia. Three months ago, I had a blood test and was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. After taking iron supplements for three months, I had another blood test and no longer have iron deficiency anemia. However, my red blood cell count increased to 5.75. Is 5.75 ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. You have a personal history of carrying the thalassemia trait, which would show a low MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and an increased total red blood cell count in hematological tests. To determine whether it is alpha or beta thalassemia, hemoglobin electr...

Understanding Low MCV: Is It Iron Deficiency or Thalassemia?

Recently, I have been frequently visiting the emergency room and cardiology outpatient clinic due to heart issues, but no problems have been identified. Later, it was confirmed at the psychosomatic clinic that I have panic disorder. Below are the blood test results from three wee...

Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Low hemoglobin levels are referred to as anemia. MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) is the average volume of red blood cells. Anemia combined with low MCV indicates microcytic anemia, which is commonly associated with two conditions: iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. Thala...

Differentiating Iron Deficiency Anemia from Thalassemia: A Clinical Guide

White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 4.53 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.52 Hemoglobin (HB): 10.8 Hematocrit (HCT): 33.8 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 23.9 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 74.7 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 31.9 Platelet Count (PLT): ...

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia have different causes, treatments, and management strategies. It is recommended that you bring your reports (or data) to consult with a physician in the hematology department or family medicine clinic. Thank you.

Understanding Anemia: Nutritional Strategies and Dietary Adjustments

Hello, Nutritionist: My HB is 9.7, HC is 32.3, MCV is 67, and MCH is 20.1. Can these values indicate which type of anemia I have? How should I supplement my nutrition? Or what further tests should I undergo to determine how to adjust my diet? Thank you for your guidance!

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! The test values you mentioned are all low, which may indicate either oceanic anemia or iron deficiency anemia. It is recommended to retest your RBC levels. You can visit a family medicine or internal medicine clinic at a hospital to determine the cause before discussing fu...