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Foods for Low Blood Platelets (Thrombocytopenia)

Platelets are the cells in your blood that help it clot. A healthy human being has between 150,000 to 400,000 platelets in each microliter of their blood. [1] Thrombocytopenia is the term used to describe a shortage of platelets in the blood, usually when this number falls below 150,000.

There are many possible reasons for this condition. Leukemia, autoimmune diseases, liver cirrhosis, spleen enlargement, cancer therapies and medication are all potential causes of thrombocytopenia.

Deficiency in blood platelets can cause bleeding gums, fatigue and easy bruising of the skin. In severe cases, the effects can have fatal consequences. Internal bleeding may occur or the individual may develop more chronic conditions.

A moderate shortage of blood platelets can be helpful through supplements and dietary changes. In severe cases of platelet shortage, it is best to consult a physician to decide on a treatment plan. When trying to boost your platelet count through your diet, it is important to know what foods to eat and which ones to avoid.

Here are some useful diet additions to boost low platelet count.

Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is an important nutrient required for efficient body function. Young adult men and women over 50 years require 8 mg of iron per day. [2] In women between 19 to 50, the required amount is 18 mg. Pregnant women need up to 27 mg to meet the increased demands of iron in their bodies. Low levels of iron in the blood can cause iron-deficiency anemia.

A sufficient supply of iron is critical in helping red blood cells carry oxygen all over the body. Research suggests iron also plays an important role in boosting the number of blood platelets. According to a study conducted on children and teenagers who had iron-deficiency anemia in 2012, iron might also be useful in raising the number of platelets in the blood. [3]

Foods rich in iron include mussels and beef liver. Green sources of iron are lentils, beetroot and beans. You can also get a lot of iron from eating tofu and dark chocolates. Pomegranate is one iron-rich food that helps in quickly boosting low blood platelet count. You can choose to add it to your salad or consume the juice extract.

You should avoid consuming foods high in calcium at the same time as iron-rich foods.