Jeffrey Salazar
Platelets are an essential component of the blood that helps with clotting and prevents bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. A low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can increase the risk of excessive bleeding, while a high platelet count may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious health complications. While there is no single diet or regimen that can boost platelet counts, certain foods and supplements may help increase platelet production and promote healthy blood clotting. These include foods rich in vitamins B9, B12, C, D, and K, as well as iron and omega-3 fatty acids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vitamins | B12, C, D, K, and folate (B9) |
| Foods | Citrus fruits, berries, red meat, spinach, lentils, beans, whole grains, fish, olive oil, leafy greens, kale, collard greens, seaweed, salmon oil, walnuts, cod liver oil, wheatgrass juice, green tea, eggs, fortified cereals, and more |
| Supplements | Chlorophyll, papaya leaf extract, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and folic acid |
| Foods to avoid | Cranberry juice, aspartame, quinine, tonic water, bitter lemon, ice water, alcohol, red meat, dairy, fried foods, and processed foods |
| Lifestyle | Staying hydrated |
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What You'll Learn
Eat foods rich in folate, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron
Eating foods rich in folate, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron can help increase blood platelet count. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and a low platelet count can make a person more prone to bleeding.
Folate and Vitamin B9
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports healthy cell division and promotes proper fetal growth and development. It is also essential for the development of red blood cells. Natural sources of folate include legumes, eggs, citrus fruits, and fortified grains. Avocados, bananas, and dark, leafy greens are also good sources of folate. The recommended daily intake of folate for adults is 400 micrograms, while pregnant people are advised to increase their intake to 600 micrograms.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, especially meat and dairy. Organ meats, such as liver and kidneys, are very high in vitamin B12. For those on vegan diets, fortified foods like cereals and nutritional yeast are good sources of this vitamin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant and is vital for the health of the immune system, connective tissue, heart, and blood vessels. Some foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, cherries, peppers, parsley, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and the Kakadu plum.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that is a component of hemoglobin, which helps maintain strength and energy. It is needed to produce new blood cells. While specific iron-rich foods are not mentioned, meat is a good source of vitamin B12 and is likely to contain iron.
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Consume foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that the body cannot produce on its own. They are essential for brain and visual functions, and research suggests that they may also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in fish and nuts, with fatty fish being the best source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Salmon, sardines, trout, and sea bass are all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, with salmon providing 2.35 grams of omega-3 per fillet. For those who do not eat fish, dietary supplements derived from micro-algal sources may be a good alternative.
In addition to fish, omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in plant-based sources such as nuts, seeds, and healthy oils. Specifically, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3, is found in plant oils like canola oil, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds. However, it is important to note that the body absorbs EPA and DHA more easily than ALA. Therefore, it is recommended to include a variety of omega-3 sources in your diet, such as adding ground flaxseeds to granola or snacking on nuts throughout the day.
It is always advisable to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or taking supplements, especially if you are pregnant, have a high risk of diabetes, or are taking any medications. While omega-3 fatty acids are generally considered beneficial, high doses may cause side effects such as an upset stomach or diarrhea, and they may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs.
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Eat anti-inflammatory foods, like papaya
Eating anti-inflammatory foods is one way to increase your platelet count. Inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, and autoimmune responses. While acute inflammation is typically beneficial and helps the body heal, chronic inflammation can lead to long-term health issues.
Papaya, also known as papaw or pawpaw, is a soft, fleshy fruit native to Mexico but also grown in the Caribbean and Florida. It is rich in nutrients, including antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, and lycopene. Papaya has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent inflammation and oxidative stress in age-related eye diseases.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, papaya also contains phytoconstituents like tannins and alkaloids, which aid in blood cell formation and increase platelet count. A study found that papaya leaf extract significantly increased the platelet levels of children with dengue fever. Additionally, papaya is a source of vitamin K, which is important for improving calcium absorption and bone health.
When choosing papaya, look for fresh fruits with soft, reddish-orange skins. You can cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds, which are edible but have a bitter, peppery taste. The sweet, buttery flesh of the fruit can be enjoyed on its own or added to salads, smoothies, and other dishes.
While papaya can be a beneficial addition to your diet, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or taking supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.
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Avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame
Platelets are an essential component of the blood that helps with clotting. A low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. While mild cases often do not cause any symptoms, more severe cases can lead to uncontrollable bleeding.
There are several ways to increase platelet count through diet and supplements. Consuming foods rich in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron can help support platelet health. These include oranges, mangoes, strawberries, raspberries, and green leafy vegetables. Additionally, supplements like chlorophyll and papaya leaf extract have been known to increase blood cell count and, consequently, platelet count.
However, it is important to be cautious of substances that can decrease platelet count. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame are known to induce thrombocytopenia. While the safety of aspartame has been extensively debated, multiple studies have reported cases of aspartame-induced thrombocytopenia. One study observed increased platelet activation and abnormal TEG parameters in T2D patients consuming aspartame. Another study found a 68% rise in the probability of aspartame consumers developing T2D compared to non-consumers.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame to maintain healthy platelet counts. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners or sugar alternatives that do not have adverse effects on platelet levels. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or taking supplements.
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Consume vitamin D to help with bone marrow and platelet production
Consuming vitamin D is important for bone marrow and platelet production. Vitamin D is a hormone that regulates calcium and controls the location of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. These hematopoietic stem cells are responsible for the creation of all three types of blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Vitamin D metabolites are important for bone and mineral homeostasis, and human bone marrow stromal cells have the machinery to metabolize, regulate, and respond to vitamin D. In a study, vitamin D hydroxylases in human bone marrow stromal cells were expressed at different levels and were correlated with serum 25OHD, 1,25(OH)2D, and PTH.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to abnormal bone remodeling and an increased risk of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. In these patients, low vitamin D levels are associated with a low platelet count and altered platelet activation, which can lead to a higher risk of hypercoagulation and endothelial dysfunction.
While there is a link between vitamin D and bone marrow health, excessive vitamin D signaling can stimulate the bone marrow disease myelofibrosis. This disease causes an abnormal increase in collagen-producing cells, filling the bone marrow and preventing normal blood cell production.
To increase platelet production, it is important to ensure adequate vitamin D intake, but it is also crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, as individual needs may vary.
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Frequently asked questions
Platelets are an essential component of the blood that helps with clotting and controlling serious repercussions when wounds damage the lining of blood vessels.
Foods rich in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and iron are known to increase platelet count. Some foods that can be included in the diet are oranges, mangoes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, spinach, kale, salmon, walnuts, cod liver oil, and wheatgrass juice.
Dairy products, red meat, fried foods, processed foods, high-sodium foods, artificial sweeteners, cranberry juice, aspartame, quinine, and alcohol are known to decrease platelet count.
Chlorophyll, papaya leaf extract, and folic acid supplements are known to increase platelet count.
Some symptoms of a low platelet count include excessive bleeding, bruising, blood in urine or stool, and wounds that don't stop bleeding.
