Blood contains a variety of cells, including red and white blood cells and platelet cells. Platelets are the cells involved in blood clotting, or coagulation, which normally occurs when blood vessels are breached and leak blood. As such, platelet cell production and function is directly related to wound healing. Lack of platelet cells or abnormal function may result in increased bleeding times or formation of unwanted blood clots and increased risk of stroke. Various nutrients are required for normal platelet function.
Thrombocytopenia
Blood normally contains between 150,000 and 350,000 platelets per microliter, which circulate in the bloodstream and respond to injured blood vessels. Platelet cells aggregate, or clump together, in response to breaches in blood vessel walls, which triggers the coagulation cascade of blood clotting. Thrombocytopenia occurs when not enough platelets are made or too many are destroyed, which result in low platelet cell counts. Thrombocytopenia can result from autoimmune disorders, diseases or a lack of vitamin B-12 and folic acid.
Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid
Vitamin B-12 and folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9, are needed for healthy red blood cell formation within bone marrow. Deficiency of these vitamins result in immature, malformed red blood cells, called pernicious anemia, but it also reduces platelet cell production.
Antioxidant Vitamins
Vitamins with strong antioxidant properties, such as vitamins A, C and E, diminish the effects of thrombocytopenia by scavenging harmful free radicals that have the ability to destroy platelet cells. Further, vitamin E reduces the aggregating tendency of platelet cells, making them more slippery, which is of benefit to those at risk of atherosclerosis, or blockage of the arteries, and stroke.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is required for blood clotting to proceed because it makes platelet cells more sticky. Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include increased clotting time, excessive bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums and heavy menstruation. Blood thinning medications, such as warfarin, work by inhibiting the action of vitamin K.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have similar effects as vitamin E on platelet cells. Specifically, fatty acids prolong platelet cell life span, decrease platelet aggregation and also scavenge harmful free radicals. Thus, the antioxidant properties of omega-3 fatty acids protect platelet cells.
Copper
Cooper is an essential mineral and deficiency leads to low circulating levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet cells, eventually resulting in anemia and thrombocytopenia.
References
- "Textbook of Medical Physiology -- Tenth Edition"; Arthur C. Guyton, et al.; 2000
- "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health"; G. Combs; 2008
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
