How to Increase MCH Levels

Medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH

Last Updated: September 3, 2019 References

MCH (or mean corpuscular hemoglobin) refers to the average mass of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Most often, low MCH levels are the result of iron deficiency and/or anemia, meaning the best ways to increase MCH levels are to alter your diet and supplement regimen. In some rare cases, low MCH may be caused by more serious conditions and should be diagnosed by a doctor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Diagnosing Low MCH

1
Recognize symptoms. If you believe you may be experiencing low levels of MCH, take some time to notice and catalog your symptoms.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Common symptoms of low MCH can include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising easily
- Pale skin
- General weakness
- Dizziness
- Loss of stamina
2
Speak to your doctor. If you are experiencing symptoms of low MCH, it is best for you to discuss these with your doctor. Low MCH may be caused by anemia, certain types of cancer, parasites, digestive disorders (such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease), or other conditions. MCH levels may also be affected by certain medications.^{[2]
X
Research source} Be prepared to tell your doctor:
- What symptoms you have experienced
- When these symptoms began
- Your medical history
- What medications you are currently taking (if any)
- What you normally eat
Advertisement
3
Run a complete blood count test. Your doctor will examine you and run a series of tests. The results of these tests will help your doctor to outline the best course of action to treat your low MCH levels.^{[3]
X
Research source} Some of these tests will likely include:
- a blood test that will examine your MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) levels
- a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test to measure the average volume of your red blood cells

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Altering Your Diet to Treat Low Blood Iron

1
Discuss your diet with your doctor. The most common cause of MCH is an iron deficiency anemia, and altering your diet could increase your iron levels. Before you make any drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle, it is a good idea for you to speak to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the right amount of iron (and other nutrients) you need and can help you make a health-conscious plan.
- You don’t need to raise MCH levels if you don’t have an underlying cause, such as anemia.
2
Increase iron in your diet. The best way to increase your MCH levels is to include more iron-rich foods in your diet. The amount of iron you need each day varies based on your age, sex, and other factors. Refer to this chart at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/ to determine the level that's right for you. Iron-rich foods include:
- Spinach
- Beans
- Seafood
- Red meat and poultry
- Peas
3
Make sure you eat enough B-6. In order for your body to properly absorb iron, vitamin B-6 must be present. You can help to improve your MCH levels by making sure that you eat plenty of B-6, alongside iron.^{[4]
X
Research source} Foods high in vitamin B-6 include:
- Banana
- Wild tuna (not farm-raised)
- Chicken breast
- Salmon
- Sweet potato
- Spinach
4
Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Fiber is an important part of any diet. For those with low MCH levels, increasing the amount of fiber you eat can help with the absorption of iron in the intestines.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Foods high in fiber include:
- Peas
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Supplements

1
Take iron supplements. If you do not enjoy eating iron-rich foods (or on days when you're just too busy) another option is to take iron supplements. Iron supplements are inexpensive and safe.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Avoid taking high-dose iron supplements if you aren’t anemic since too much could damage vital organs.
2
Beware of side-effects. Unfortunately, iron supplements can have negative side-effects. Some of these are mild, and may go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Other side-effects (though less common) may be serious and should prompt you to seek medical care. Of course, if any side-effect is bothersome, or if you have questions, contact your doctor right away.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Side-effects that do not usually need medical attention include:
  - Constipation
  - Diarrhea or vomiting
  - Leg cramps
  - Dark urine
  - Stained teeth
  - Heartburn
- Side-effects that should prompt medical attention include:
  - Backache or muscle pain
  - Severe nausea or vomiting
  - Metallic taste
  - Dizziness or fainting
  - Pain, numbness, or tingling in hands and feet
  - Fast heartbeat
  - Severe headache
  - Flushed skin
  - Rash or hives
  - Trouble breathing
  - Swelling of mouth and throat
3
Supplement vitamin B-6. Whether it is consumed in food form or by way of supplements, vitamin B-6 is a necessary companion for iron. Whenever you take iron supplements, pair these with a supplement of vitamin B-6.^{[8]
X
Research source}
4
Avoid taking too much calcium. If you take calcium supplements, be sure that you do not take more than the recommended daily amount. A surplus of calcium in your system can make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron.^{[9]
X
Research source}