← All Biomarkers

MCV

Hematology Unit: fL

Average RBC size; helps classify anemia

Also known as: Mean Corpuscular Volume,Mean Cell Volume,Mean Cell Volume (MCV)

Reference Ranges

Clinical Reference 80.0 – 100.0 fL

Optimal Range 85.0 – 95.0 fL

Critical Range < 70.0 / > 115.0 fL

RBC size; low=microcytic, high=macrocytic

Related Conditions

Anemia High

Anemia Low

Food & Lifestyle Recommendations

🍎 Food Increase B12 (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) and folate (leafy greens, legumes) intake Macrocytic anemia is most commonly caused by B12 or folate deficiency

🍎 Food Increase iron-rich foods and vitamin C; avoid calcium supplements with iron-rich meals Calcium competes with iron for absorption

Evidence-Backed Supplements

When High

Vitamin B12 Tier A Supports Normalization

B12 deficiency causes macrocytic anemia

Methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin 1000–5000 mcg/day (sublingual preferred) Morning

PMID 40147066 PMID 30431328 PMID 29543316
Folate Tier A Supports Normalization

Folate deficiency causes macrocytic anemia

Methylfolate (5-MTHF) 400–1000 mcg/day Morning

PMID 28816346 PMID 25803792 PMID 32770489

When Low

Iron Tier A Supports Normalization

Iron deficiency causes microcytic anemia

Iron bisglycinate or ferrous fumarate 25–65 mg elemental iron/day On empty stomach or with vitamin C

PMID 40159279 PMID 30699468 PMID 24990381

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Should I be tested for B12 and folate deficiency given my high MCV? Macrocytosis is the hallmark of B12/folate deficiency
Could my low MCV indicate iron deficiency even if my hemoglobin is still normal? Microcytosis often precedes anemia in iron deficiency

Upload your blood test to see how your MCV compares to reference and optimal ranges.

Upload Blood Test