Mean Corpuscular Volume
Haematology marker
MCV
Mean Corpuscular Volume
Average size of red blood cells. Helps classify types of anemia.
PED Notes
Not typically affected by AAS. Low MCV with low iron suggests iron deficiency from blood donations.
When high
When high (>100 fL -- macrocytic, large red cells):
Most common causes: B12 or folate deficiency, alcohol use, hypothyroidism.
Supplements:
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) -- 1000mcg/day sublingual
- Methylfolate -- 800mcg/day
Follow-up:
- Check B12, Folate, and TSH
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol if relevant
- If B12 and Folate are normal, macrocytosis may be from liver disease or medications
How to read red cell indices as a set rather than one flagged number: The complete haematology panel for enhanced athletes.
When low
When low (<80 fL -- microcytic, small red cells):
Most common cause in AAS users: Iron deficiency from regular blood donation to manage high haematocrit.
Supplements:
- Iron Bisglycinate -- 25-50mg/day with Vitamin C 500mg for absorption
- Take iron on empty stomach or with Vitamin C; avoid calcium, coffee, tea within 2h
Follow-up:
- Check Ferritin, Serum Iron, Transferrin Saturation to confirm iron deficiency
- Recheck MCV after 8-12 weeks of iron supplementation (red cell turnover takes time)
- If MCV remains low with adequate iron, investigate thalassaemia trait (common genetic cause)
Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription or a treatment plan, and it does not account for your history, medications or conditions. Use it to ask better questions: bring it to your doctor and decide together. Full disclaimer.
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range