Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
05:35
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Associations Between Micronutrients and Red Cell Distribution Width in Adults: A Scoping Review.
Joshua M Hudson1, Haris Mohammed2, Rebecca M Donkin1,3
1School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast Health Institute, 6 Doherty St, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia.
Nutrition Reviews
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Micronutrient status may influence red cell distribution width (RDW) in adults. Optimizing intake of vitamins and other nutrients could potentially lower RDW, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures erythrocyte size variability (anisocytosis) and is a prognostic biomarker in various diseases.
- Nutritional factors are hypothesized to influence RDW by affecting red blood cell size variability, stability, and lifespan.
- A comprehensive review on how micronutrition impacts RDW in adults without conditions causing anisocytosis was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze existing evidence on the association between micronutrient status and RDW in adults.
- To explore literature on micronutrient supplementation and its effects on RDW.
- To understand the potential of micronutrition in modulating RDW as a hematologic biomarker.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR framework.
- A comprehensive literature search was performed in February 2025.
- The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool assessed study rigor, identifying 10 included articles.
Main Results:
- Studies examined vitamins A, D, E, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and dietary fiber.
- Several studies indicated that higher micronutrient status or supplementation correlated with lower RDW values.
- Findings were variable; some nutrients showed no significant association, and one trial reported no RDW change with supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Micronutrition appears to have a measurable influence on RDW.
- Optimizing micronutrient intake may offer a nutritional strategy to lower RDW.
- Further research is required to confirm long-term effects and clinical health outcomes.