Platelets are sticky colorless blood cells that your body produces when a blood vessel is damaged. They are produced in your bone marrow and stored in your spleen. The main function of platelets is to prevent excessive bleeding by helping your body form blood clots. Low platelet count can occur as a result of leukemia, a compromised immune system or a medication side effect. Along with your prescribed treatment plan, certain vitamins may improve a low platelet count and help your blood clot properly.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3, also known as niacin, improves immune system function, repairs broken blood vessels, boosts your platelet count, aids in cellular reproduction, protects your bone marrow from damage, helps your body produce blood cells and lowers your risk of excessive bleeding, according to Lee McDowell, author of "Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition." Foods rich in vitamin B-3 include tuna, salmon, peanuts, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, turkey, lamb and halibut.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, strengthens your immune system, prevents anemia, repairs damaged blood vessels, reduces prolonged bleeding, supports a healthy bone marrow, aids in blood clot formation and increases your platelet count, according to Dr. Michael Zimmermann, author of "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." Foods rich in B-12 include beef liver, ready-to-eat cereals, rainbow trout, plain yogurt, tuna, Swiss cheese, milk, eggs, ham and poultry.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from infections, viruses, diseases and toxins that can lower your platelet count, according to Dr. Darwin Deen, author of "Complete Guide to Nutrition in Primary Care." Deen adds that vitamin C repairs damaged blood vessels, improves blood circulation, reduces bruising associated with low platelet counts, prevents excessive bleeding, helps your blood clot properly and lowers your risk of thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder that occurs when you lack an adequate amount of platelets in your bloodstream. Foods rich in vitamin C include cranberries, strawberries, grapefruits, tomatoes, blueberries, cherries, broccoli, kale, spinach, red peppers and oranges.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K aids in blood clot formation, prevents cellular damage, improves a low platelet count, minimizes bruising associated with a low platelet count, lowers your risk of excessive bleeding and keeps your bone marrow healthy, according to Steve Blake, author of "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Foods rich in vitamin K include kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, arugula, green beans, peas, celery, romaine lettuce and asparagus.
References
- "Beginner's Guide to Blood Cells"; Barbara J. Bain, M.D.; 2008
- "Platelets in Thrombotic and Non-Thrombotic Disorders: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Paolo Gresele, M.D., Ph.D., Clive P. Page, M.D. and Valentin Fuster, M.D., Ph.D.; 2002
- "Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition"; Lee R. McDowell, Ph.D.; 2008
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann, M.D.; 2001
- "Complete Guide to Nutrition in Primary Care"; Darwin Deen, M.D.; 2008
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake, Sc.D.; 2007
