What nutrition is recommended to increase platelet count?

Nutritional Recommendations to Increase Platelet Count

The Mediterranean diet is the most effective dietary approach for maintaining healthy platelet counts, particularly in individuals with thrombocytopenia, as it can decrease thrombocytopenia-related mortality risk. 1

Key Nutritional Recommendations

Foods That Support Platelet Production and Function

• Dark chocolate reduces platelet aggregation, P-selectin expression, PAC-1 binding, and platelet microparticle formation 2
• Foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as fatty fish reduce platelet aggregation and P-selectin expression 2
• Garlic and onion have been shown to reduce platelet aggregation 2
• Purple grape juice and tomatoes contain compounds that reduce platelet aggregation 2
• Berries inhibit platelet function as measured by PFA-100 testing 2
• Wine (in moderation) can reduce platelet aggregation 2
• Low glycemic index foods help reduce platelet aggregation 2
• Ginger has properties that reduce platelet aggregation 2

Foods and Substances to Avoid

• Energy drinks have been shown to increase platelet aggregation 2
• Caffeine increases platelet microparticle formation 2
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase bleeding risk, especially in those with already low platelet counts 3
• Anticoagulant medications significantly increase the risk of severe bleeding in those with thrombocytopenia 3

Clinical Considerations for Platelet Management

Understanding Platelet Count Thresholds

• Platelet counts <150 × 10³ per μL are considered thrombocytopenia 4
• Patients with platelet counts >50 × 10³ per μL are generally asymptomatic 4
• Platelet counts between 20-50 × 10³ per μL may cause mild skin manifestations (petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis) 4
• Platelet counts <10 × 10³ per μL present a high risk of serious bleeding 4

Dietary Approach for Different Platelet Levels

• For mild thrombocytopenia (100-150 × 10³ per μL):

  • Implement Mediterranean diet patterns 1
  • Include foods that support platelet function (dark chocolate, omega-3 rich foods) 2

• For moderate thrombocytopenia (50-100 × 10³ per μL):

  • More aggressive implementation of Mediterranean diet 1
  • Increase consumption of foods that reduce platelet aggregation 2
  • Avoid energy drinks and limit caffeine 2

• For severe thrombocytopenia (<50 × 10³ per μL):

  • Mediterranean diet has shown particular benefit in reducing thrombocytopenia-related mortality 1
  • Strictly avoid NSAIDs and anticoagulants unless medically necessary 3
  • Consider platelet transfusion for counts <10 × 10³ per μL or if active bleeding occurs 4

Special Considerations

• For patients requiring invasive procedures: Maintain platelet count ≥50 × 10³ per μL 5
• For patients with active bleeding: Maintain platelet count ≥50 × 10³ per μL 5
• For patients with traumatic brain injury: Consider maintaining higher platelet counts (≥100 × 10³ per μL) 5

Monitoring Recommendations

• Regular monitoring of platelet count is essential for patients with thrombocytopenia 4
• Dietary interventions should be maintained for at least 3 months to evaluate effectiveness 1
• Patients with platelet counts <50 × 10³ per μL should adhere to activity restrictions to avoid trauma-associated bleeding 4

The Mediterranean diet appears to be particularly effective at maintaining platelet counts within a healthy range and reducing thrombocytopenia-related mortality risk, making it the preferred nutritional approach for patients with low platelet counts 1.