White blood cells -- a group of cell types referred to as leukocytes -- play a central role in helping to prevent and fight disease. Leukocytes circulate throughout your body, recognizing foreign particles and then engulfing the particles to prevent the spread and development of disease. Following a healthy diet can help to support a number of systems in your body, including your immune system, and proper nutrition can help to support healthy white blood cell function.
Role of Zinc
Consuming zinc as part of your diet can positively affect the health of your white blood cells. Zinc has a profound role on your immune system, and the levels of zinc in your body can affect a range of sub-types of white blood cells. The National Institutes of Health indicates that zinc deficiency can hinder the activity of several white blood cell types, while decreasing the overall proliferation levels of lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell, within your body. Consume foods containing zinc, including oysters, beef and crab meat, to help support immune system function.
Role of Copper
Copper also has an effect on your white blood cells. While the specific role in supporting your white blood cells is not yet fully understood, copper deficiency can lower your white blood cell counts, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. As a result, individuals suffering from copper deficiency may also develop immunodeficiency and an inability to fight off disease. Beef liver, crab meat and oysters also contain copper, and can help support your white blood cells.
Role of Vitamin A
Following a diet rich in vitamin A can also support your white blood cells. Retinoic acid, a type of vitamin A, interacts with stem cells found within your bone marrow, and promotes the formation of mature white blood cells, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Disruption of retinoic acid signalling -- due to defects in the chemical receptor that detects retinoid acid -- can lead to defects in white blood cells, and potentially promote the development of disease affecting the cells, such as leukemia. Fish oil, sweet potatoes, fortified dairy products and breakfast cereals all provide sources of vitamin A.
Role of Selenium
Another nutrient that can support white blood cell health is selenium, an essential mineral. Selenium helps to support your immune system, and helps to increase your white blood cell numbers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, helping your body fight off disease. Consuming Brazil nuts grown in selenium-rich soil, wheat germ, garlic, fish and whole grain foods all contain selenium, and may therefore help to support a healthy immune system.
