Platelets form an important component of blood along with red blood cells and white blood cells. In the absence of platelets, there would be prolonged bleeding from wound. Therefore, for the blood to stop oozing out of the wound, it is necessary for platelets to aggregate in the area and help in blood clot formation. The normal range of platelets in blood is about 150,000-450,000 per microliter of blood. If the platelet count is below the normal range then it is known as thrombocytopenia. They are produced in bone marrow and have an average life span of 10 days.
There are many reasons for low platelet count and these include conditions such as leukemia, anemia, viral infections such as HIV or hepatitis C, chronic alcoholism, chemotherapy, bacterial infection, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura, medications such as heparin, anticonvulsants and quinine.
Generally, mild thrombocytopenia is not harmful and does not show any symptoms, but with increasing thrombocytopenia, the symptoms become more conspicuous and these include prolonged bleeding after an injury, profuse bleeding, and spontaneous bleeding from gums, easy bruising and bleeding, bleeding from stools and/or internal bleeding.
Can Kiwi Increase Platelet?
It is necessary to eat healthy food when suffering from thrombocytopenia and include plenty amount of green vegetables and fruits. Among many fruits, kiwi is touted to increase platelet count, but does kiwi really increases platelet count? When suffering from dengue, which is a disease in which platelet count is decreased, the kiwi sale increases, since the general public believes that kiwi increases blood platelet count. However, this belief still needs scientific proof and validation and it is only manageable with further studies and research. Like many other vegetables and fruits, kiwi contains vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help body to remain healthy.
Kiwi is a power fruit, which contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, magnesium and it is also a powerful antioxidant. This might be the reason for its popularity in thrombocytopenia.
Kiwi Fruit Contains Folic Acid: It is also known as vitamin B9 and it is well known that folic acid deficiency could lead to decreased platelet count in the body, as it is responsible for cell division and growth. Other foods that are rich in folic acid include liver, beef, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, fortified breakfast cereal, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, avocado, mustard greens, green peas, black-eyed peas, kidney beans and peanuts.
Vitamin B12 in Kiwi: It is another vitamin that is crucial for platelet formation. Other foods rich in this vitamin include oysters, clams, mussels, salmon, rockfish, beef, chicken, turkey, eggs, tuna, salmon, milk, cheese and yogurt.
Kiwi has Vitamin K: It is responsible for blood coagulation. Some other foods rich in vitamin K are kale, spinach, turnip, broccoli, parsley, lettuce and asparagus. An individual who is on warfarin should consult their physician before starting supplementation with vitamin K.
Calcium in Kiwi Fruit: It is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones as bone marrow is the production house of platelets. Healthy bones and bone marrow are needed for normal platelet production. Foods rich in calcium are milk, yogurt, orange, sardines, cereal, cheese, fish, soybeans, kale, almonds, broccoli and figs.
Kiwi Contains Iron: The deficiency of iron is also responsible for platelet deficiency. Other food sources for iron include foods with dark leafy greens, red meat, dried fruits, nuts, and fortified cereals.
Kiwi Fruit With Vitamin A: It is also responsible for healthy platelet production as vitamin A is an important factor in the formation of proteins and proper regulation of protein helps in cell division and growth. Food sources rich in vitamin A include carrot, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and kale.
The authentication whether kiwi increases platelet count is not sure, but it definitely is rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals and makes it a power fruit.
Zinc in Kiwi: They help in platelet activation, so their deficiency leads to platelet deficiency. Other foods rich in zinc are oysters, beef, crab, fortified breakfast cereal, lobster, chicken, yogurt, chickpeas, cheese, oatmeal, milk, kidney beans and peas.
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