MCV
Mean cell volume (MCV) is the average size of the red blood cells.
Mean cell volume (MCV) is the average size of the red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, and their size reflects how they were built in the bone marrow. MCV is part of the blood count and is read together with haemoglobin, MCH and RDW.
Intake of iron, vitamin B12 and folate shapes red cell size. Alcohol tends to raise MCV, and heavy menstruation, blood donation, inherited traits of the red blood cells, age and some medicines also play a part.
Foods that help
Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, whole grains and dark leafy greens provide the iron, B12 and folate that red blood cells are built from.
Foods to limit
Large amounts of alcohol over time affect red cell size. Coffee and tea with meals reduce how much iron is absorbed.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →