How does low iron relate to high RDW?
Low iron levels typically cause high RDW, not the other way around. When your body doesn't have enough iron, it can't produce red blood cells properly, leading to cells of varying sizes - which is what RDW (red cell distribution width) measures.
Anemia, including iron-deficiency Show Full Answer
How does low iron relate to high RDW?
Low iron levels typically cause high RDW, not the other way around. When your body doesn't have enough iron, it can't produce red blood cells properly, leading to cells of varying sizes - which is what RDW (red cell distribution width) measures.
Anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia, can occur in people with lymphoma either as a side effect of treatment or from the lymphoma itself. Low iron levels can result from:
- Inadequate iron in your diet
- Heavy or persistent bleeding
- Poor absorption of nutrients
When you have anemia from low iron, your red blood cells become uneven in size, causing the RDW to increase. This is your body's response to the iron deficiency, not the cause of it.
If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or pale skin, it's important to discuss blood test results with your healthcare team to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
February 13
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