4 Essential Nutrients That Can Increase Your Blood Platelet Count Naturally

Platelets are tiny components of the blood that help with clotting. They cluster together to form a clot and prevent bleeding at the site of an injury. They function to stop bleeding during an injury and prevent excess blood loss.

Platelets are the blood cells that help your blood to clot. When your platelet count is low, you may notice symptoms, including fatigue, easy bruising, and bleeding gums. A low platelet count is also referred to as thrombocytopenia, states Healthline. Certain foods that are high in specific nutrients can help boost your platelet count naturally. Here’s a compiled list of nutrients that you should include in your regular diet to increase your platelet count and maintain a healthy body.

Nutrients That Can Increase Platelet Count Naturally

1. Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 works to keep your blood cells healthy and several studies have linked it deficiency to low platelet count. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Low levels of vitamin B12 in the body may also contribute to low platelet counts. People aged 14 years and over require 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 daily. People who are pregnant or nursing require up to 2.8 mcg. Foods rich in Vitamin B-12 include beef liver, clams, eggs, cheese, cow milk etc.

2. Folate

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), high-dose folate may improve platelet function in acute coronary syndrome and other pathologies associated with increased platelet oxidative stress. Foods containing good amounts of folate are peanuts, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, oranges etc.

3. Iron

The Healthline states that Iron is essential to your body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. A 2012 study also found that it increased platelet counts in participants with iron-deficiency anaemia. Foods abundant in iron include mussels, pumpkin seeds, lentils, beef etc.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C (VitC) is a key modulator of platelet (PLT) function. Platelets store high intracellular concentrations of vitamin C, which then modify its oxidative state and play a role in its ability to aggregate, reports NIH. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, mangoes, pineapples, green or red bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower etc.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)