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August 12, 2024

Part 8 Does Higher Mean Corpuscular Volume Mean Aging?

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) reflects the average size of red blood cells and is crucial in diagnosing various types of anemia.

Elevated MCV indicates larger-than-normal red blood cells, often due to folate or B12 deficiency, while low MCV points to iron deficiency or conditions like thalassemia.

As people age, MCV tends to increase, which can be linked to a shorter lifespan of red blood cells and the circulation of younger, larger cells. This increase in MCV is associated with cognitive decline and age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Elevated MCV is also a marker for morbidity and mortality in various conditions, highlighting its significance in assessing overall health and biological aging.

Want to Learn More?

CLICK HERE to access part 8 of the ODX Research series on Biological Age Biomarkers

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Tag(s): Biomarkers

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