Supplements to increase white blood cell count

Additionally, try to avoid stress, smoking, alcohol, and a bad diet as these weaken the immune system.

A strong immune system means our white blood cells are strong enough to fight off bacteria, viruses or any other body invaders. It is what will keep us healthy, given any circumstances. Thus, if we focus on strengthening our immune system, we will significantly reduce our chances of getting sick. And if we do get sick, our body will be able to heal itself.

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are a type of blood cell that help fight infections 4. There are five types of white blood cells, and each is produced in your bone marrow. When you are exposed to an infection, white blood cells leave your bone marrow and travel to your bloodstream, where they attempt to destroy the cause of infection. The production of white blood cells is largely dependent on the presence of vitamins in your body.

Although low white blood cell vitamin deficiency is one factor to consider, low blood count can also be caused by serious medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, lupus and a variety of infectious diseases. See a doctor to determine the cause of your low white blood cell count to ensure accurate treatment.

Role of Vitamin C

Commonly associated with immune health, it may be no surprise that vitamin C enables your body to synthesize white blood cells 4. To reap the benefits of vitamin C, you must consume enough of it on a daily basis. Men should consume 90 milligrams of vitamin C, whereas women should consume 75 milligrams. Sources of vitamin C include:

  • oranges
  • grapefruit
  • orange juice
  • grapefruit juice
  • tomatoes
  • potatoes
  • broccoli
  • cantaloupe
  • peppers

  • Commonly associated with immune health, it may be no surprise that vitamin C enables your body to synthesize white blood cells 4.
  • To reap the benefits of vitamin C, you must consume enough of it on a daily basis.

Vitamin A Benefits

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Vitamin A also helps your body create white blood cells, specifically the type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. Lymphocytes attack foreign invaders and cancer cells and help produce proteins called antibodies, which also help fight off infections. To ensure that the body can successfully create white blood cells, women should consume 700 micrograms of vitamin A per day, and men should consume 900 micrograms daily.

  • Vitamin A also helps your body create white blood cells, specifically the type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte.

Folic Acid Recommendations

Your body also needs folic acid, also referred to as folate, to create the white blood cells called neutrophils 4. It is important to consume enough folic acid on a daily basis to allow your body to create white blood cells. If you do not consume adequate amounts of folate, your production of white blood cells decreases and you may develop a condition called neutropenia. This condition is characterized by an abnormally low level of neutrophils and an increased susceptibility to infection. To properly create white blood cells, adults should consume 400 micrograms of folate every day.

Role of Vitamin D

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Vitamin D does not aid in the synthesis of white blood cells, but it can help increase white blood cell count by decreasing the rate at which they are destroyed and removed from the body, according to a study published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Adults should consume 15 to 20 micrograms of vitamin D daily. The best sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, fatty fish, yogurt and enriched breakfast cereals.

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References

  • University of Michigan Health System: Folic Acid
  • Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Neutropenia
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Higher Serum Vitamin D Concentrations are Associated with Longer Leukocyte Telomere Length in Women
  • University of Michigan Health System: White Blood Cells
  • U.S. Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. White Blood Cell Count. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003643.htm
  • Mayadas TN, Cullere X, Lowell CA. The multifaceted functions of neutrophils. Annu Rev Pathol. 2014;9:181-218. doi:10.1146/annurev-pathol-020712-164023
  • Mcbrien CN, Menzies-gow A. The Biology of Eosinophils and Their Role in Asthma. Front Med (Lausanne). 2017;4:93. doi:10.3389/fmed.2017.00093
  • Cromheecke JL, Nguyen KT, Huston DP. Emerging role of human basophil biology in health and disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014;14(1):408. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0408-2
  • Hoffman W, Lakkis FG, Chalasani G. B Cells, Antibodies, and More. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2016;11(1):137-54. doi:10.2215/CJN.09430915
  • Karlmark KR, Tacke F, Dunay IR. Monocytes in health and disease - Minireview. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp). 2012;2(2):97-102. doi:10.1556/EuJMI.2.2012.2.1
  • Görgens A, Radtke S, Horn PA, Giebel B. New relationships of human hematopoietic lineages facilitate detection of multipotent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Cell Cycle. 2013;12(22):3478-82. doi:10.4161/cc.26900
  • Hong JW, Noh JH, Kim DJ. Association between White Blood Cell Counts within Normal Range and Hemoglobin A1c in a Korean Population. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2018;33(1):79-87. doi:10.3803/EnM.2018.33.1.79
  • Riley LK, Rupert J. Evaluation of Patients with Leukocytosis. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(11):1004-11.
  • Flores-mireles AL, Walker JN, Caparon M, Hultgren SJ. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2015;13(5):269-84. doi:10.1038/nrmicro3432
  • Kasi PM, Grothey A. Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia as a Prognostic and Predictive Marker of Outcomes in Solid-Tumor Patients. Drugs. 2018;78(7):737-745. doi:10.1007/s40265-018-0909-3
  • U.S. Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. White Blood Cell Count.

Writer Bio

Lindsay Boyers has a Bachelor of Science in nutrition from Framingham State College and a certificate in holistic nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She is also a licensed aesthetician with advanced training in skincare and makeup. She plans to continue on with her education, complete a master's degree program in nutrition and, ultimately, become a registered dietitian.

What supplements raise white blood cells?

If your diet is poor, or you're having trouble eating, you can take a multivitamin or supplement with vitamin B12 and folate. The body uses vitamin B12 and folate to make WBCs.

Can vitamin D increase white blood cells?

Studies have reported that vitamin D may affect the course of T1D by immunomodulation [11]. Although the mechanism of action is still unknown, serum 1,25(OH)2D levels appear to modulate the level of systemic cytokine production and to increase white blood cell (WBC) count [12, 13].