Dietary Solutions for Low Platelets: What To Eat To Increase Platelet Count

Folate is an essential B vitamin for healthy blood cells. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. According to the NIH, adults need at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate daily, and pregnant women need 600 mcg.

Foods rich in folate or folic acid include -

• Dark leafy green vegetables, such as spinach
• Lentils
• Eggs
• Rice
• Yeast
• Broccoli

However, be careful not to consume too much folic acid from supplements or fortified foods because high levels of it can interfere with the function of vitamin B-12. But eating folate-rich foods is not a problem.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Low levels of B-12 in the body can also lead to low platelet count. According to the NIH, people aged 14 and older need 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need up to 2.8 mcg. Vitamin B-12 is present in animal-based products, including:

• Egg
• Clams
• Trout
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Other fish

Dairy products also contain vitamin B-12, but some research suggests that cow's milk may affect the production of platelets. Vegetarians and vegans can get vitamin B-12 from:

• Fortified cereals
• Fortified dairy alternatives, such as almond milk or soy milk
• Supplements

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Vitamin C plays an important role in the function of the immune system. Vitamin C also helps platelets function properly and increases the body's ability to absorb iron, which is another essential nutrient for platelets. Many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, including:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Citrus fruits, such as oranges
• Kiwi fruit
• Red and green bell peppers
• Strawberries

Note that heat destroys vitamin C, so it may be best to eat vitamin C-rich foods raw when possible.

Vitamin D contributes to the proper functioning of bones, muscles, nerves, and the immune system. According to the Platelet Disorders Support Association (PDSA), vitamin D also plays an essential role in the function of bone marrow cells that produce platelets and other blood cells.

The body can make vitamin D through sun exposure, but not everyone gets enough sunlight every day, especially if they live in cold or northern regions. Adults aged 19 to 70 years need 15 mcg of vitamin D per day. Foods rich in vitamin D include -

• Egg yolks
• Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel
• Fish liver oil
• Fortified milk and yogurt
• Vegetarians and vegans can get vitamin D from -
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Fortified orange juice
• Fortified dairy alternatives, such as soy milk and soy yogurt
• Supplements

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Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. According to an informal survey by PDSA, 26.98 percent of people who took vitamin K had increased platelet count and reduced bleeding. The adequate intake of vitamin K for adults 19 years and older is 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women. Foods rich in vitamin K include -

• Leafy greens, such as turnip greens and spinach
• Broccoli
• Soybeans and soybean oil
• Pumpkin

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Iron is essential for healthy levels of red blood cells and platelets. Research on children and adolescents with iron deficiency anemia suggests that iron can increase platelet count in people with this problem. According to the NIHT, men over 18 and women over 50 need 8 milligrams (mg) of iron daily, while women between 19 and 50 need 18 mg. Women during pregnancy need 27 mg per day. Iron-rich foods include:

• Oysters
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• White beans and kidney beans
• Dark chocolate
• Lentils
• Tofu

Eat vegetarian sources of iron, such as beans, lentils and tofu, along with a source of vitamin C to increase absorption rates. Avoid eating calcium-rich foods along with iron sources and taking calcium supplements.

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