Madeleine Hull
Platelets are blood cells that promote blood clotting and help prevent bleeding. A low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. While severe cases of thrombocytopenia may require medical treatment, mild cases can often be managed through dietary changes and supplements. A diet to increase platelet count should include foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, folate, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin K, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other food sources. In addition to diet, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins, can also positively impact platelet count.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dietary changes | Increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains |
| Increase intake of leafy green vegetables that contain high amounts of vitamin K, calcium, and other minerals | |
| Include more vitamin C, folate, iron, and other essential nutrients in your diet | |
| Consume foods rich in vitamin B12, such as animal-based products or fortified cereals for vegetarians and vegans | |
| Eat fruits like oranges, mangoes, kiwis, red peppers, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and citrus fruits | |
| Include lean proteins and egg whites in your diet | |
| Consume foods with antiplatelet properties in moderation, such as cranberry juice, alcohol, and sesame | |
| Supplements | Consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any supplements |
| Folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin K supplements are recommended by the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PSDA) | |
| Papaya leaf extract has been found to increase platelet counts in some cases | |
| Melatonin, a natural hormone, may also help increase platelet levels | |
| Chlorophyll, found in plant-based green supplements, may improve thrombocytopenia but should be used in moderation | |
| Cows' colostrum, the first secretion of mammary glands, contains immunoglobulins that may aid in autoimmune forms of thrombocytopenia | |
| Lifestyle changes | Avoid stress and eliminate environmental toxins, including plastics, chemicals, and pesticides |
| Do not smoke tobacco products, as they can lower platelet counts | |
| Avoid certain medications that can cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP), such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antibiotics, seizure medication, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants | |
| Exercise, even light physical activity, can improve platelet function |
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What You'll Learn
Folate-rich foods like oranges, leafy greens, and legumes
Folate, or vitamin B9, is an essential vitamin for healthy blood cells. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Research suggests that folate deficiency may contribute to low platelet counts. Folate is important for cell division and DNA synthesis, which are central processes for the manufacture of blood cells, including platelets.
Folate-rich foods include oranges, leafy greens, and legumes. Citrus fruits like oranges are rich in folate, providing about 14% of the recommended daily value (DV) of 400 micrograms (mcg) for adults. Leafy greens like spinach are another good source of folate. Legumes, such as lentils and beans, are also a good source of folate and can help boost platelet counts.
In addition to folate-rich foods, other dietary and lifestyle changes can also help increase platelet count. This includes consuming more vitamin C, iron, and vitamin B12, as well as adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, avoiding stress, and eliminating environmental toxins. It is important to note that severe low platelet counts may require medical treatment, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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Vitamin C-rich fruits like mangoes, kiwis, and strawberries
A low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can lead to excessive bleeding as platelets are the blood cells that promote blood clotting. While mild thrombocytopenia may not cause any symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice to avoid severe complications. Doctors can advise on how to increase platelet levels through nutrition and supplements.
In addition to vitamin C, it is important to ensure adequate intake of folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, and iron. Folate is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis, which are crucial for the production of blood cells, including platelets. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based products and is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Iron is also essential for the production of red blood cells and platelets, and iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.
While dietary changes can help manage mild thrombocytopenia, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. They can provide guidance on the appropriate diet, supplements, and treatment plan based on individual needs and underlying conditions.
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Iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, seafood, and spinach
A low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can increase your risk of bleeding. Platelets are blood cells that promote blood clotting to help prevent bleeding. Doctors can advise on increasing platelet levels through nutrition and supplements.
It is also recommended to include foods with high levels of vitamin C, as this vitamin helps your platelets group together and function efficiently. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, which may contribute to increasing platelet counts. Citrus fruits like oranges, red peppers, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C.
Folate, or vitamin B9, is another essential vitamin for healthy blood cells. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folate deficiency may lead to a type of anemia with larger red blood cells, which can impact platelet counts. Foods with high levels of folate include oranges, leafy greens, and legumes.
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Vitamin B12-rich animal products or fortified cereals
A low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can lead to excessive bleeding and hinder the healing of wounds. While mild cases can often be treated with dietary changes, more severe cases may require medical treatment, medications, or even blood transfusions. Doctors can advise on how to increase platelet levels through nutrition and supplements.
Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, and low levels of this vitamin can contribute to low platelet counts. It is primarily found in animal-based products, including meat, poultry, (shell)fish, eggs, milk, and other dairy products. The nutrient-dense animal food products rich in vitamin B12 are also rich in other nutrients such as zinc, iron, vitamin D, and proteins.
Vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant-based foods, but fortified breakfast cereals are a readily available source of vitamin B12 with high bioavailability. Nutritional yeast is also a good source of vitamin B12 and is vegan-friendly. When choosing a fortified cereal, opt for a product that is low in added sugar and high in fibre or whole grains.
Some of the richest sources of vitamin B12 include liver, beef, sardines, clams, and dairy products. For those who are vegetarian or vegan, it is important to be mindful of vitamin B12 intake, as it is mainly found in animal products.
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Supplements like melatonin, chlorophyll, and folic acid
Platelets are an essential component of the blood that helps with clotting. A low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia, and it can make a person more prone to bleeding. Thrombocytopenia is usually diagnosed when a person's platelet count falls below 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
There are a few supplements that can help increase platelet count, including melatonin, chlorophyll, and folic acid.
Melatonin
Melatonin is an endocrinic hormone secreted by different parts of the body, such as the liver and the pineal gland. Melatonin has been shown to have a positive effect on platelet count in patients with chronic liver disease. Thrombocytopenia can be a complication of liver disease, and melatonin's thrombopoietic properties can help increase platelet count in these cases.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is another supplement that may help with a low platelet count. The PDSA mentions chlorella, a form of chlorophyll, as a potential supplement for those with a low platelet count. While research on its effectiveness is limited, a survey by PDSA found that 19% of participants who took chlorella reported a positive effect on their platelet count, while 33% noticed improvements in their bleeding symptoms.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9), which is an essential vitamin for healthy blood cells. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that adults get at least 400 micrograms of folate daily, with pregnant people requiring 600 micrograms. However, it is important to note that excessive folic acid intake can have negative health consequences, such as masking a vitamin B12 deficiency or increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
It is always advisable to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement, as they can interact negatively with other medications or supplements, or worsen certain conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
A diet rich in vitamin C, folate, iron, and other essential nutrients can help increase platelet count. This includes whole grains, fresh fruits, nuts, legumes, and vegetables, especially leafy green ones.
Some foods that may help increase platelet count include oranges, mangoes, red peppers, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, collard greens, red meat, poultry, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach, fortified cereals, and kiwis.
Yes, according to the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PSDA), folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin K supplements are particularly beneficial for increasing platelet count. Other supplements that may help include chlorophyll, cows' colostrum, melatonin, and noni juice.
