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MCV, or mean corpuscular volume, is a red blood cell measurement that indicates the size of red blood cells. This assessment may be used to classify anemias. (source)
Low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels can result from physiological factors affecting red blood cell production in the bone marrow and nutrient deficiencies. The bone marrow, which is responsible for producing red blood cells, may be affected by inadequate nutrient intake, particularly that of iron. (source, source)
Prioritize iron-rich foods: Low levels of iron are associated with low MCV. (source) Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen within red blood cells. Increased iron intake increases the amount available to make new red blood cells in the bone marrow, increasing hemoglobin levels and red blood cell size. (source, source) Recommendation: Consume at least two servings of iron-rich foods weekly.
One serving examples: Liver (3 oz), Oysters (3 oz), Lentils (1 cup), Pumpkin Seeds (1 oz)
Supplement with spirulina: Supplementation with spirulina has been shown to increase MCV. (source) Spirulina contains a high amount of iron that, when absorbed, increases hemoglobin synthesis, thereby increasing MCV levels. (source, source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 1 g of spirulina daily.
High mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels can be influenced by physiological factors related to red blood cell production and maturation, often involving bone marrow. From a nutritional perspective, deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folate can affect red blood cell size and contribute to elevated MCV levels. (source, source)
Prioritize foods high in B vitamins: High MCV is associated with a deficiency of B vitamins. (source) B complexes encourage cell division and maturation in the bone marrow, which helps maintain regular hemoglobin concentrations in red blood cells, as well as MCV levels. (source, source) Recommendation: Consume at least two servings of foods high in B vitamins daily.
One serving examples: Mackerel (3 oz), Beef (3 oz), Pork (3 oz), Chicken (3 oz), Beef Heart (3 oz)
Perform breathwork and/or meditation: Breathwork has been shown to lower markers of stress. (source) Stress has been shown to increase MCV through a cascade of events that increases red blood cell production. (source) Meditation and breathwork have been shown to negate the stress response in the body and blunt these reactions. (source) Recommendation: Sit down and calmly focus on your breath while box breathing for up to five minutes.
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol intake is associated with increased MCV. (source) Alcohol can directly damage the cell membrane of red blood cells and inhibit the absorption of folate and b vitamins, both of which are directly involved in healthy red blood cell formation and MCV maintenance. (source) Recommendation: Monitor alcohol intake. Try to limit consumption to one or two drinks daily, with the goal of less than three per week.
Supplement with a vitamin B complex: High MCV is associated with a deficiency of B vitamins. (source) B complex encourages cell division and maturation in the bone marrow, which helps maintain regular hemoglobin concentrations in red blood cells, as well as MCV levels. (source, source) Recommendation: Supplement with a vitamin B complex that has at least 50% of daily recommendations for each B vitamin.
