Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hello Terry, “I have a history of low platelets and have gone through bone marrow testing when my numbers got down to 46. While my platelet count is now up to 116, it is still below normal. Is there anything I could take to bring them up to a good level? Thank you.” — Nancy G., Wheaton, IL

A. Dear Nancy, Platelets, otherwise known as thrombocytes, are small blood components that help the clotting process by sticking to the lining of blood vessels. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets collect at the site of injury and temporarily repair the tear. Platelets are made in the bone marrow and only live for approximately 10 days. Therefore, the body has to continually renew its supply. Normally, people have anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (mcL) of circulating blood. Thrombocytopenia is the term used for any disorder in which there is an abnormally low amount of platelets.

Most importantly, you need to find out what is causing the low levels in the first place. It sounds as if you have already had some bone marrow testing done, but there are a number of other reasons that should also be ruled out. Certain prescription drugs, like diuretics, may lower platelet levels. Even common over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can affect platelets. Low levels can be also caused by an autoimmune condition, in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its own platelets.

I would recommend working with your healthcare practitioner to determine what the underlying cause of your low platelet levels is. That said, I do have some natural ways to support your platelet count.

I would first recommend adding a high-quality multivitamin to your daily regimen – one that features B6, B12, and folic acid in their active forms – P-5-P, methylcobalamin, and L-methylfolate. These forms don’t require conversion by the liver, so they can go to work immediately. You also want to look for a multivitamin that features chelated trace minerals. A “chelate” is a bond between a mineral and a molecule that helps the body absorb the mineral during digestion. Amino acids are excellent molecules to help shepherd minerals through the intestinal wall. Because they are so small, they can be transported directly into the cells of the body, where they can get to work right away. The very best premium daily multivitamin and mineral formulas are taken more than once a day. Keep in mind that one tablet or capsule could not possibly fit the optimal amounts of vitamins, minerals, and herbs needed to provide significant nutritional support. In addition, many nutrients are only active in the body for a short period of time and need to be replenished every 6 to 8 hours. Multiple daily doses ensure that your body is receiving optimal nutrient levels throughout the day. I suggest taking 2 tablets with each meal.

You may also want to consider adding curcumin to your daily regimen. Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, is a potent antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory that works, via multiple pathways, to benefit overall health. Standard curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so make sure the product you choose features a curcumin with excellent absorption that has been proven in published human studies. The best form I have ever found uses micronized curcumin blended with turmeric essential oils in a patented process. This curcumin has been shown in published human studies to be up to 10 times better absorbed than standard curcumin. I suggest taking 375 mg of curcumin three times daily.

I suggest trying this regimen for a period of 60 days before you evaluate the outcome.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally