What is the Cause of Low RDW?
A low red cell distribution width (RDW) usually isn't a cause for concern and isn't associated with any particular type of anemia. It simply indicates that your red blood cells are uniform in size.
While a low RDW isn't typically problematic, several factors can contribute to it:
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Chronic Diseases: Conditions like chronic liver disease can sometimes lead to a low RDW. [Source: Koru Hospital, September 2nd, 2023; and additional references specifying chronic illness].
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Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, such as iron or vitamin B12, might result in decreased RDW. [Source: Koru Hospital, September 2nd, 2023].
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Bone Marrow Suppression (Rare): In rare instances, low RDW could suggest that the bone marrow isn't producing a diverse population of red blood cells. [Source: HealthMatters.io].
Interpreting Low RDW Results
It's crucial to remember that a low RDW result alone doesn't usually signify a serious health problem. It should be considered in conjunction with other complete blood count (CBC) results. A doctor will interpret the RDW in the context of the entire blood test to determine the overall picture of your blood health. [Source: Cleveland Clinic, MedlinePlus, Tua Saúde, and MedicalNewsToday].
