The main role of red platelets is to convey oxygen all through the body. At the point when we breathe in air, oxygen enters the lungs which ties itself to the hemoglobin in the red platelets. This hemoglobin is the thing that is answerable for conveying oxygen all through the body, to every one of the organs and every one of the tissues. Two sorts of research center tests are done to quantify the number and capacity of the red platelets, specifically, a hemoglobin test that shows how much oxygen the red platelets can convey. 12-16 is the typical hemoglobin included in an individual and the hematocrit test shows the level of red platelets in the blood. The typical hematocrit counts are between 36 to 50.

How might I be aware if  I have a low red platelet count?

When there is less hemoglobin content in your blood, the body is deprived of the necessary oxygen it requires. So an individual having low hemoglobin might have the accompanying side effects,

• Fast heart rate
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Fair skin and additionally pale gums

In cases, where the youngster’s red platelet count has dropped too low, a blood transfusion might be given.

Blood transfusion:

At the point when a youngster requires blood transfusion, the blood classification that matches your kid will be given. The blood is prompted through the vein for more than a few hours through an IV in the arm. During the whole interaction, the youngster will be checked for indications of any unfriendly responses.

The most well-known worry that encompasses the possibility of a blood transfusion is the feeling of dread toward the risk of getting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. It is to be noticed that getting AIDS because of a blood transfusion is far-fetched. The blood donors are asked to undergo a series of tests and if there are any sort of infectious markers such as HIV, hepatitis, or any other conditions, their blood will not be taken. If the blood that is stored, when tested shows any positive results is immediately thrown away. Recent research has shown that direct donations do not increase safety. But if you would like to give blood to your child or family member ‘directed donations are available. 

Red platelet count

The Red platelet count, as the name means, is the count of the number of red platelets present in your blood. The significant part of the red platelets is a substance called hemoglobin which is liable for shipping oxygen around the body. The amount of oxygen delivered to all organs and tissues in the body is determined by the efficiency and effectiveness of these RBCs. 

Generally, the RBC exclusion is conveyed as a feature of the full platelet count. The RBC count in women is lesser than in men as the level of RBCs tends to decrease with increased age.

Based on the conclusive results obtained from an RBC count, the diagnosis for any blood-related conditions will be determined. That is the way things are known whether the individual has an iron deficiency anemia. There are different justifications for why it would have less RBC count and one such reason would be because of the lack of vitamin B6, B12, or folate inadequacy. The diet of an individual likewise assumes a significant part. At the point when the supplements fundamental for the body are not met, the red platelet count goes down. Different explanations behind diminished count are because of internal bleeding and kidney infections.

Numerous health conditions or health-related factors can also cause high RBC count such as, 

• Dehydration  
• Smoking 
• Hypoxia
• Congenital heart disease
• Pulmonary fibrosis

What are the changes that I need to make in my diet to increase the RBC count?

The foods containing the following nutrients are necessary to not only increase but also improve your levels of RBC. 

Iron

An iron-enriched food can help improve the body’s ability to produce RBCs. The food that is rich in iron content is, 

• organ meat, such as kidney and liver
• beans
• red meat, such as beef
• legumes
• dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as kale and spinach
• egg yolks
• dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins

Folic acid

The inclusion of foods containing certain B vitamins in your diet is also highly beneficial. The following foods are rich sources of folic acid. 

• nuts
• enriched bread
• dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
• beans
• lentils
• enriched cereals
• peas

Vitamin B-12

Foods rich in vitamin B-12 are, 

• dairy products, such as milk and cheese
• eggs
• red meat, such as beef
• fish

Copper

Though copper intake plays no direct role in improving the RBC production however it is known to help your RBCs assess the iron that they require. High copper content is found in,

• Beans
• Poultry
• liver
• cherries
• shellfish
• nuts

Vitamin A

Vitamin A and its relation to RBC production is similar to that of copper and the following foods are those that are rich in Vitamin A content, 

• carrots
• sweet potatoes
• fruits, such as watermelon, grapefruit, and cantaloupe
• squash
• dark, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
• red peppers

Here is a list of supplements that aid in increasing your red blood cell count:

If the nutrition needs of your body are not met by your diet, talk to your doctor about it and they might recommend you take supplements that will help increase the RBC production or support the processes that are necessary for the same. If you take any medications, exercise caution so that they do interact and cause any adverse reactions. 

• Iron supplements boost the production of RBCs recommended dosage amounts- 8mg per day
• Vitamin C supplements absorb iron. The recommended dosage for men is 90 mg and for women 75mg. 
• Copper supplements aid in the boost of RBC production. The recommended dosage for men is 8mg and for women 18mg. 
• Vitamin A (retinol) supplements. The recommended dosage for men is 900 mcg and for women is 700 mcg
• Vitamin B-12: recommended for 14 yrs and older; dosage – 2.4 mcg. For pregnant women – 2.6mcg and breastfeeding mothers – 2.8mcg. 
• Vitamin B-9 (folic acid): Recommended dosage between 100 and 250 mcg.  
• Vitamin B-6: Recommended dosage for women is 1.5 mg and for men 1.7mg
• Vitamin E: Recommended dosage is 15 mg per day