What Are the Symptoms of Low Platelets? Causes, Ideal Range, and Foods to Boost Platelet Count

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny but powerful components of your blood that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. These disc-shaped cells are essential for blood clotting, wound healing, and even immune responses. An average level of platelets in the blood is necessary for adequate clotting during emergencies. However, abnormally high or low platelet levels can indicate underlying health complications.

Low platelet counts, a condition known as thrombocytopenia, can lead to a range of symptoms that may signal serious medical issues. When platelet counts fall below normal, individuals may experience irregular bleeding or bruising. Common symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and easy bruising. In more severe cases, people may develop petechiae, which are small red or purple blotches on the skin, or experience continuous bleeding from minor injuries. Additionally, weakness and exhaustion are frequent as the body struggles to heal even minor wounds. 

Let's dive into this blog to understand the role of platelet count in the human body, how to maintain ideal platelet levels, the symptoms of low platelet count, and 7 foods that can help you boost your platelet count.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is The Role Of Platelet Count In The Human Body?

2. Major Symptoms Of Low Platelets Or Low Platelet Count Symptoms

3. What Causes Low Platelet Levels?

4. What Are Low Blood Platelets, & What Are Ideal Platelet Levels?

5. 7 Foods That Boost Platelet Count

6. Dietitian’s Recommendation

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

9. References

What Is The Role Of Platelet Count In The Human Body?

Our bone marrow, the spongy substance inside our bones, is where platelets are made. Megakaryocytes, or very big cells found in the bone marrow, are the cells that make up platelets. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets can all be produced from stem cells found in bone marrow. They promote wound healing by forming blood clots that halt or stop bleeding.

Our blood contains platelets that clump together when identifying broken blood arteries. However, platelets are not limited to clotting; they also contribute to various physiological processes which are as follows:

1. Hemostasis And Blood Clotting

In hemostasis, the body's natural process of halting bleeding, platelets are essential. Platelets are drawn to the site of a blood vessel injury and bind to the damaged area to create a temporary plug that helps stop excessive blood loss.

2. Wound Healing

In addition to promoting clotting, platelets also release growth factors and other chemicals that promote tissue regeneration and repair. They foster the formation of new tissue during the healing process of wounds.

3. Inflammation And Immune Response

Platelets participate in the body's immune response by interacting with immune cells and releasing inflammatory mediators. This immune function is particularly important in infections and inflammatory conditions.

Also Read: Revealing 8 Powerful Foods To Reduce Inflammation In Your Body

4. Angiogenesis

Platelets contribute to the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) by releasing growth factors that promote the growth of blood vessel cells. This process is essential for tissue growth and repair.

Major Symptoms Of Low Platelets Or Low Platelet Count Symptoms

Some people with mild cases of low platelet count or thrombocytopenia have no symptoms. When this happens, one of the first symptoms is a cut or nosebleed that won't stop the bleeding. Other symptoms include:

Also Read: Boost Vascular Health: 24 Essential Foods For Better Blood Flow! 

What Causes Low Platelet Levels?

You may get thrombocytopenia, a disorder where the body does not have enough platelets in the blood. This is the result of your bone marrow producing insufficient platelets, which puts you at risk for bruises and protracted bleeding that takes a long time to stop. 

Below are some factors that can contribute to a low platelet count:

What Are Low Blood Platelets, & What Are Ideal Platelet Levels?

Low platelet count or low blood count symptoms, also called thrombocytopenia, are conditions caused by a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colourless blood cells formed in the bone marrow and help clot blood. 

Platelets stop bleeding by clumping together and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Even after a small accident, those with low platelet counts may bleed or bruise readily. Bleeding is more likely when there is a low platelet count, particularly from the mouth, nose, and gastrointestinal tract.

• Ideal Platelets Levels

The normal range of platelet counts is different for men and women. Platelet counts generally decrease with age. According to the study, the approximate average platelet count for adult men and women (over 18 years old) is shown in the table below:

Also Read: High C-Reactive Protein In Blood Tests: Symptoms, Ways To Reduce & Treatment 

7 Foods That Boost Platelet Count

Here is how you can enhance your platelet count:

1. Papaya Leaf Extract

Scientific studies suggest that papaya leaf extracts can help increase the number of blood platelets. Moreover, if you also want to increase platelet count in dengue fever, papaya leaf juice is often a home remedy for dengue cases. For those who do not have access to fresh papaya leaves, there are also readily available options on the market, such as pills containing concentrated papaya leaf extract. 

2. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables have long been hailed as a nutritional powerhouse for promoting optimal health. Due to their rich folate content, green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and asparagus are essential for increasing platelet count. Folic acid plays a vital role in addressing low platelet counts by promoting the body's cell division process, which ultimately helps increase platelet levels.

3. Meat 

Vitamin B12 is essential for boosting red blood cell health and overall well-being. Vitamin B12 deficiency is sometimes associated with lower platelet counts. Chicken, liver, eggs, and fish contain vitamin B-12, and other foods can be used to increase platelet counts. 

4. Berries

Raspberries, goji berries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are full of antioxidants, making them excellent fruits for increasing platelets. According to a clinical study, moderate consumption of berries with a high content of polyphenols has a positive effect on the number of blood platelets.

5. Kiwi

Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, which supports the formation of blood platelets and improves function. Therefore, it can qualify as a food that increases platelets. Kiwi fruit is also rich in antioxidants that act as a shield, protecting platelets and blood cells from degradation and thus extending their lifespan in the bloodstream.

6. Carrot And Beetroot

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, these vegetables offer a number of health benefits and are one of the best foods for increasing your platelet count. One notable nutrient in this vegetable is folate, which supports forming healthy blood cells, including platelets. 

7. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is an incredible food that strengthens blood platelets thanks to its high vitamin A content. This essential nutrient stimulates the production of platelets in the bone marrow. ToneOp Care’s Pumpkin Seeds are a great substitute for someone who does not like pumpkins but intends to boost their platelet count.

Also Read: Top 10 Foods To Increase Platelet Count

Dietitian's Recommendation

One of the key metrics determined by the complete blood count (CBC) test is platelet count. The average level of platelets in your body ensures proper blood clotting in case of any injury or cut. Severe health issues might arise from abnormal platelet counts. Knowing your platelet levels by age and gender, you can better analyse your blood report and health status.

                                                                            Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

So, this was a wrap on symptoms of low platelets. If you notice any such signs and symptoms, it's important you get your platelet levels checked and then consult with a doctor regarding the next course of action. Despite having a low platelet count, you can have some platelet-boosting foods mentioned above to restore harmony. 

FAQs

1. What are some low blood count symptoms?

Common low blood count symptoms are:

• Bleeding gums

• Blood in your stool

• Blood in your urine

• Heavy periods

• Blood in vomit

• Petechiae

• Purpura

• Bruising

• Rectal bleeding

  
  

2. What is a good platelet count for a woman?

A normal platelet count for women typically ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

3. Can low platelet count be genetic?

Yes, low platelet count can be genetic, as certain inherited conditions can affect platelet production and function in the body.

4. How can I reduce my risk of low platelets?

To reduce your risk of low platelets, maintain a healthy diet, avoid excessive alcohol, manage stress, and stay away from harmful medications.

5. How are low platelets treated?

Low platelets are treated based on the underlying cause, which may include medications, blood transfusions, or lifestyle changes to improve platelet production.

References

• https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/side-effects/low-platelet-count

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14430-thrombocytopenia

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombocytopenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378293

• https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/blood-test/platelet-count-low-vs-normal-vs-high-range-in-human/

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/thrombocyte-what-is-a-thrombocyte-797228

• https://www.ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/platelet-count

• https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=160&ContentID=36

• https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/platelet-information.html

• https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/platelet

• https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/increase-platelet-count-naturally-foods-tips

  
  

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