From the Research
Yes, iron deficiency can cause an elevation in platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytosis, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This relationship is well-established in clinical medicine, with iron deficiency anemia being one of the most common causes of secondary or reactive thrombocytosis. When the body lacks sufficient iron, it can trigger increased platelet production through several mechanisms, including increased thrombopoietin levels and enhanced sensitivity of megakaryocytes to this growth factor, as well as hypoxia resulting from anemia stimulating platelet production 2. Some key points to consider include:
- Platelet counts typically range from 450,000 to 700,000/μL in iron deficiency-related thrombocytosis, though they can occasionally be higher.
- The thrombocytosis generally resolves with iron replacement therapy, which should be administered based on the severity of deficiency - typically oral ferrous sulfate 325 mg three times daily or ferrous gluconate 300 mg twice daily for 3-6 months to replenish iron stores 3.
- Despite the elevated platelet count, iron deficiency-related thrombocytosis rarely causes thrombotic complications, unlike primary thrombocythemia. It's also important to note that while iron deficiency is typically associated with thrombocytosis, in rare cases of very severe iron deficiency, thrombocytopenia may occur, as seen in cases where iron deficiency associated thrombocytopenia is rapidly corrected after iron supplementation 4, 1. Overall, the evidence suggests that iron deficiency can indeed cause an elevation in platelet count, and iron replacement therapy is an effective treatment for resolving this condition.