The Blood Matters Blog ·

How to Increase (or Decrease) Your Platelet Count

Do you know your platelet count? Levels that are too high or too low can be an indicator of serious underlying issues, so it's important to know if you fall outside of a healthy range.

Share

Platelets play a crucial role in clotting and healing, and donating them can save lives, especially for cancer patients and trauma victims. But what if your platelet count isn't where it should be?

Certain conditions, or the medications taken to treat them, can cause low or high platelet levels. If your platelet count is too low, you may experience excessive bleeding and bruising. Conversely, an excessively high platelet count could increase the risk of blood clots. Both indicate the potential for underlying conditions, so it's important to know your levels and consult a physician if needed.

Normal Platelet Count by Age

So what's an average, healthy platelet count range? A normal platelet count typically ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood for most people. While this remains generally consistent across age groups, some small variations can occur:

  • Newborns and infants may have slightly higher counts, closer to the upper range.
  • Children and adults generally maintain counts within the standard range.
  • Older adults might experience a slight decline in platelet count, but levels typically stay within the normal range.

Impact of High and Low Platelet Counts

  • Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia):

    A platelet count below 150,000 can result from conditions like immune disorders, infections, or certain medications. It increases the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising. Severe cases may require medical treatment or blood transfusions.

  • High Platelet Count (Thrombocythemia and Thrombocytosis):

    A count above 450,000 can indicate issues like inflammation, cancer, or bone marrow disorders. While some people may not show symptoms, high platelet levels can increase the risk of blood clots, leading to complications like stroke or heart attack.

How to Increase Your Platelet Count

  • Consume Vitamin B12 and Folate: Foods like eggs, fortified cereals, leafy greens, and beans can help boost platelet production.

  • Eat Iron-Rich Foods: Include red meat, spinach, and lentils in your diet to promote healthy platelet levels.

  • Increase Vitamin C Intake: Citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers can improve platelet function and support immune health.

  • Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can lower platelet production, so reducing or eliminating consumption may help.

Foods to increase platelet count

More on Blood Donation and Low Iron

How to Decrease Your Platelet Count

  • Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, which may help reduce platelet activation.

  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration ensures blood flows smoothly, potentially helping to manage high platelet levels.

  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can elevate platelet levels, so practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques may help regulate them.

How to decrease your platelet count

It’s important to consult with a doctor if your count is unusually high, but many people with healthy, elevated counts are excellent candidates for donation. You can learn all about Our Blood Institute's platelet donation process, including our Proud Platelet incentive program, through the link below.

OBI Platelet Donation

How Blood Donation Affects Platelet Count

Whether you’re donating whole blood, plasma, or platelets, your body responds by replenishing these components quickly. After a donation, your bone marrow increases production of platelets and other blood cells, ensuring healthy levels are restored in just a few days. This process of regeneration not only helps others but also keeps your blood cells fresh and healthy.

Regular donation of any blood component, especially platelets, can support overall blood health while providing a critical resource to those in need. Platelets donations are always in high demand and are crucial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, burn victims and trauma survivors, among others.

Ready to make a difference? Schedule your platelet donation at one of our 17 blood centers in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas using the link below and you'll be saving lives in your community.

Schedule to Donate