← Blood tests
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
Routine annualalso —
What it isThe average size of a single red blood cell, measured in femtoliters.
DoesClassifies anemia by red cell size and points toward the underlying cause.
GoodA mid-range MCV indicates normally-sized cells and signals balanced iron and B vitamin status.
BadLow MCV (microcytic) flags iron deficiency or thalassemia. High MCV (macrocytic) flags B12 or folate deficiency, alcohol use, or hypothyroidism.
- Standard
- 80–100 fL.
- Optimal
- 86–92 fL (narrow target)
- Modifiers
- Rises with alcohol; rises in hypothyroidism.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Cut alcohol; treat hypothyroidism.
- Diet
- Red meat, eggs, leafy greens, legumes for iron and B vitamins.
- Supplements
- Methylcobalamin (1000µg/day), methylfolate (400–800µg/day), iron (if deficient).
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Treat underlying cause.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Blood Cells