Jeanette is a second career Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a passion for researching and writing. She has been creating health and wellness content since 2015.

Isaac O. Opole, MD, PhD, is a board-certified internist specializing in geriatric medicine. For over 15 years, he's practiced at the Kansas University Medical Center, where he is also a professor.

Platelets are cells that circulate in the blood. They bind together when damage to blood vessels occurs, like when you get a cut. The platelets come together and make a blood clot, keeping the cut from bleeding further. However, some people have low platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia, which may be due to a variety of conditions and lifestyle factors. Platelet counts can also be inherited.

There is no hard evidence showing that foods can improve platelet count. However, diet may play a role in helping to alleviate symptoms of low platelet count.  

This article will address some general guidelines on what foods may reduce symptoms and side effects from thrombocytopenia.

Many conditions, treatments for conditions, and lifestyle factors can contribute to a low platelet count. These include:

The following have been associated with high platelet levels:

Incorporating elements of the macrobiotic diet and nutritional guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) may increase platelet count. The macrobiotic diet (MBD) and World Health Organization guidelines have been used to prevent and treat disease.

Nutrient recommendations include an adequate intake of calories and fresh “whole foods.” This includes plant-based proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Fewer animal products are consumed, while sugar, sodium, and saturated and trans fats are avoided.

Chemical pesticides, herbicides, additives, and preservatives may lower platelet counts. These diet recommendations incorporate foods without these compounds.

Certain nutrients may improve platelet levels and fatigue.

There is no specific timeline to follow. However, these nutrition recommendations may improve platelet levels and should be continued to prevent symptoms from coming back.

Recommendations on what to eat when you have a low platelet count include adequate calories, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, along with foods rich in folate, B12, iron, serotonin, melatonin, chlorophyll, probiotics, and vitamins C, D, and K.

Use fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Make sure they have no additives or sugar.

Instead of heavy creams and sauces, flavor foods with olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices. 

When preparing eggs and meats, try to avoid pan-frying them. Poaching, hard-boiling, and/or baking them is a healthier option. If you need that fried taste, try cooking them in an air fryer. 

Steaming or microwaving foods may be the best way to preserve the vitamin C content.

Below is a list of medications and the foods and drinks known to interact with them:

There are some foods and drinks that can negatively affect platelet counts. These include:

The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based diet that has been shown to maintain platelet counts. It may also increase platelet levels over time.  

The diet is high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes. It calls for a high intake of healthy fats like fish, olive oil, and avocado. Saturated fat, sodium, and sugar are limited.  

If you are looking for a more structured diet, you can follow the Mediterranean diet but eliminate the alcohol that it allows.

Keep in mind that more research is needed to show the effect of diet on platelet count.

A combination of the World Health Organization's nutritional guidelines and elements of the macrobiotic diet may improve fatigue and platelet counts. Recommendations include getting enough calories, water, and foods rich in folate, iron, B12, serotonin, chlorophyll, and vitamins C, D, and K.

This diet is high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and plant proteins. Lean animal proteins are also allowed in smaller amounts. Alcohol and foods high in sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat are avoided.

For those who feel this diet does not offer enough structure, the Mediterranean diet without alcohol is another good option. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider before starting any new diets.

Making changes to your diet can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you're learning how to cook with new foods. To avoid getting overwhelmed, make slow changes by adding just a few foods at a time to see how they affect your platelet count. Continue to eat foods that may help platelets and limit or avoid foods that interfere with platelet function. Do what you can to manage your diet, and follow the instruction of your healthcare professional.

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