The Role of Diet in Managing Low Platelet

Introduction  

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in an individual’s overall health. That, too, when one is affected by chronic low platelet conditions, the diet becomes more influential. There are certain nutrients found in foods that may support platelet production or clotting.  

Thrombocytopenia 

Thrombocytopenia is when your blood platelet count becomes less than normal. The immune system attacks normal platelets, reducing the number of functional platelets flowing into the bloodstream. 

Platelets are colourless blood cells that do blood clot function. When a person gets injured, the platelet cells stop bleeding by clumping and form a seal over the damaged blood vessel.  

The platelet count in adults is near 150,000—450,000 platelets per microliter (μl) of blood. Thrombocytopenia occurs when a person’s platelet condition goes below 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood.  

Symptoms 

The person is vulnerable to bleeding when they are affected by thrombocytopenia. All the symptoms of this condition are related to bleeding.  

However, mild thrombocytopenia may not cause many symptoms but can be detected through routine blood tests. 

A low platelet count may cause these symptoms, and it is best to consult a doctor if you face the following symptoms; otherwise, thrombocytopenia can bring severe complications if not treated. 

• Bruising easily
• Non-stop bleeding, even after a minor injury
• Blood in the urine
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Blood in the stool
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Purpura is a red, purple, or brownish-yellow skin patch due to bleeding under the skin 
• Petechiae are small, flat, red or brown spots below the skin due to leaking blood vessels. 

Diet for promoting increasing platelet levels 

Folate Foods 

Vitamin B8, or folate, is a key B vitamin, and it is essential for healthy blood cells. It helps with the repair and growth of blood cells.  

The adults need a minimum of 400 micrograms mcg of folate daily, and pregnant women require 600 mcg. The synthetic state of folate is folic acid. 

• Spinach and Brussels sprouts
• Black-eyed peas
• Asparagus
• Yeast
• Rice
• Kidney beans
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Dairy alternatives

Folic acid in excess will mask a deficiency of B12; therefore, the patient will not get corrective measures for B12 deficiency instituted. 

Vitamin B12 Foods 

Vitamin B12 is essential for developing Red Blood Cells (RBCs). Less Vitamin B12 can contribute to low levels of platelet counts. People 14 and above needed 2.4 mcg of Vitamin B12, and pregnant women needed 2.8 mcg daily. 

Vitamin B12 is present in plant and animal-based foods but mainly in the latter.  

• Fortified cereals
• Almond milk or soy milk
• Supplements
• Eggs
• Fishes like clams, tuna, salmon and trout.

Vitamin C Foods 

Vitamin C and iron are required for a healthy platelet count. It plays an important role in immune function. Certain vegetables and fruits are sources of Vitamin C. 

• Red and green bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Brussels sprouts
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Broccoli
• Avocados
• Kiwifruit

Vitamin D Foods 

The body can generate Vitamin D from sunlight, but only some get sufficient sunlight daily, especially in colder climates. Vitamin D assists in the correct functioning of the muscles, bones, nerves and immune system.  

The bone marrow cells produce platelets and other blood cells, and Vitamin D plays a vital role in this process. Adults aged 19 -70 years need 15 mcg per day, and over 70 years need 20 mcg per day.  

• UV-exposed mushrooms 
• Fortified orange juice 
• Soy milk and soy yoghurt 
• Fortified dairy alternatives,  
• Fortified milk and yoghurt 
• Fishes like salmon, tuna, and mackerel 
• Egg yolk
• Fish liver oil 
• Supplements 

Vitamin K Foods 

Vitamin K foods play an important role in bone health and blood clotting. It is recommended to use 120 mcg for males over 19 years and 90 mcg for females daily.  

• Spinach 
• Collards
• Kale
• Broccoli 
• Natto, a fermented soybean dish 
• Pumpkin
• Soybeans & soybean oil 

Foods to Avoid 

The following foods can reduce your platelet count:

• A few fruits and vegetables like blueberries, garlic, onions, tomatoes, turmeric, ginger, kiwi, grapefruit, grapes, and cranberry juice
• High glycemic index (GI) foods 
• High-sodium foods  
• Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame  
• Quinine
• Alcohol  

Supplements 

A supplement is a manufactured product made to supplement one’s diet by taking a capsule, tablet, pill, powder, or liquid. Certain supplements may increase placate count. 

• Papaya leaf extract 
• Chlorophyll  Melatonin
• Probiotics
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

Supplements You Should Avoid 

• Vitamin B3  
• L-tryptophan

Conclusion

Nutrition plays a significant role in these blood-clotting cells’ composition, production, and function. Following medical advice before altering the diet is highly advisable, as there is no scientific evidence that dietary adjustments alone may not guarantee increased platelet levels. 

FAQs