Platelets are the blood cells responsible for clotting. Abnormally low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, can occur due to reduced production of the cells by the bone marrow, or their increased breakdown in the bloodstream, spleen or liver. Symptoms include bruising, nosebleeds and rash. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include transfusion of the platelets. Certain supplements such as vitamin C also help improve blood platelet levels. However, you must talk to a doctor before using them.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for growth, development, immune function and healing. It is also an important component of skin, cartilage and blood vessels. Your body requires 400 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day, depending on your age and overall health, says the Linus Pauling Institute. It can be obtained from foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, cantaloupes, green peppers and broccoli. You may also use vitamin C supplements to prevent or treat a several conditions including common cold, asthma, heart disease, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. Your doctor may help establish a dose and regimen that is right for you.
Role in Thrombocytopenia
A study published in the April 1990 issue of the “Japanese Journal of Hematology” revealed that vitamin C may improve platelet count in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is thrombocytopenia with no known cause. However, subsequent studies, such as the one published in the May 1993 issue of the “American Journal of Hematology,” found that vitamin C is not as effective as once thought. Dr. Thomas Kickler of the John Hopkins Arthritis Center also doesn’t believe that vitamin C can help ITP patients. However, one study in the April 2002 issue of the journal “Thrombosis Research” points out that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and high doses of it may prevent free-radical mediated damage of the platelets, but lower doses of the vitamin may have the opposite effect.
Side Effects
High doses of vitamin C are also associated with upset stomach and diarrhea. It may also increase the amount of iron in the body, and hence, should be avoided by people with hematochromatosis, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The supplements may also interfere with certain pain medications and chemotherapy drugs.
Precautions
You do not need a prescription to buy vitamin C supplements but you should not use them without talking to a doctor. Also, make sure that the supplements you intend to use have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or by an independent agency such as the United States Pharmacopeial Convention.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C
- "Japanese Journal of Hematology"; Chronic ITP with a Remarkable Response to Vitamin C Administration After Splenectomy; S. Nomura, et al.; April 1990
- "American Journal of Hematology"; Pilot Study of Ascorbic Acid for the Treatment of Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura; Steven J. Jubelirer; March 1993
- The John Hopkins Arthritis Center: Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia
- "Thrombosis Research"; Resveratrol and Vitamin C as Antioxidants in Blood Platelets; Beata Olas and Barbara Wachowicz; April15, 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
