{"id":61004,"date":"2023-10-26T16:16:42","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T20:16:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61004"},"modified":"2026-01-13T18:20:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T23:20:24","slug":"low-mchc-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/low-mchc-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Low MCHC symptoms and who\u2019s at risk"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, or MCHC, indicates the average hemoglobin concentration in blood. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body to various tissues. For someone undergoing blood work for MCHC, they are most likely being evaluated for a condition known as anemia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anemia<\/span><\/a> is a condition in which the hemoglobin in the blood does not carry sufficient oxygen throughout the body’s tissues. Because hemoglobin is an iron-rich molecule, the most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia is not having enough iron. Deficiency anemia can have various causes, but the most common are losing too much blood, not making enough healthy red blood cells, or breaking down red blood cells faster than the body can replace them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The blood level cutoff for low MCHC is any result below 32 g\/dL, although this can vary by lab.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> See our best prices for iron supplements<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What does low MCHC feel like?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Low MCHC includes feeling generally fatigued, weak, and unwell. Someone with low MCHC may also experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Skin may sometimes appear paler than normal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that a low MCHC is not a disease, but rather a lab finding. It often needs to be interpreted alongside other lab values like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and ferritin.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the early signs of low MCHC?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Symptoms of low MCHC can be subtle at first. Signs of low MCHC can often overlap with other medical conditions, making it hard to pinpoint the exact cause. That\u2019s why it\u2019s best to consult a medical professional if you experience any of the symptoms below and they are affecting your overall health. Healthcare providers may do a physical exam and recommend blood tests to determine the underlying cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some early signs of low MCHC may be attributed to <\/span>iron deficiency anemia<\/span><\/a> and include:<\/span><\/p>\n