From the Guidelines
A consistently low RDW is usually not a cause for concern and may simply indicate that your red blood cells are uniform in size. However, if you're worried, consult your doctor for a proper evaluation. Low RDW can sometimes be associated with conditions like thalassemia minor, a genetic blood disorder, as indicated by a study from 1, which suggests that a low MCV and an RDW less than or equal to 14.0% may indicate thalassemia minor. It may also occur in some cases of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia in its early stages.
To better understand your RDW results, consider the following steps:
- Get regular blood tests to monitor trends.
- Discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
- Consider additional tests if recommended, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or iron studies, as suggested by 1, which highlights the importance of erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentration in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia.
Remember, RDW is just one component of a blood test. It's interpreted alongside other parameters like hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) for a comprehensive assessment of your blood health. A low RDW alone doesn't necessarily indicate a health problem, especially if your other blood values are normal. According to 1, a low MCV and an RDW of greater than 14.0% indicates iron-deficiency anemia, whereas a low MCV and an RDW less than or equal to 14.0% indicates thalassemia minor, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation of all blood test results.
From the Research
Low Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
- There is limited research on the implications of a consistently low RDW, as most studies focus on the association between elevated RDW and adverse health outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The available studies suggest that RDW is a marker of variability in red blood cell size, and elevated RDW is associated with increased mortality risk, cardiovascular disease, and other adverse outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies do not provide a clear explanation for a consistently low RDW, and it is unclear whether a low RDW has any significant health implications.
Potential Factors Influencing RDW
- RDW can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, and underlying medical conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- For example, studies have shown that RDW is higher in older adults and in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and anemia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies do not provide information on the factors that may contribute to a consistently low RDW.
Need for Further Research
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of a consistently low RDW and to identify the factors that may contribute to it 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies should investigate the association between low RDW and health outcomes, as well as the potential factors that may influence RDW, such as lifestyle, diet, and underlying medical conditions.