HomeAnswersHematologywhite blood cellsWhy is my WBC count low even after being on a healthy diet?

I did a blood test and my WBC count is a bit low. Why?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 14, 2021
Reviewed AtJanuary 5, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I hope you are well and safe.

I did a blood test, but my white blood cells are always a bit low.

I feel good as I train and eat healthily, but it has been four years that I have this low cell count between 3.2 and 3.6.

Is it anything serious?

Thank you in advance.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your test results. Other than neutrophil count and folate levels, there is nothing worrisome. Given the fact that you have no symptoms (more specifically fatigue, night sweats, appetite, and weight loss), the low neutrophil count might be either constitutional or might be attributed to low folate, or if you take certain medications such as Paracetamol, might be due to its bone marrow suppressive effect. I would suggest a short trial with folate supplement and another CBC after a month. Do you take any medications or supplements that you missed mentioning? There is also a rare case of cyclic neutropenia in which your neutrophils tend to fluctuate over time. Are you aware of familial members with low neutrophils? If you can send me older results, I will be able to diagnose deeper into your case.

Regards.

The Probable causes

Folate deficiency.

Probable diagnosis

Neutropenia.

Treatment plan

Folate 400 mg daily over a month.

Preventive measures

No Paracetamol intake.

Regarding follow up

After a month with control CBC.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you so much for your answer.

So I will tell you what I eat every day.

I start in the morning with oats, rice milk, flaxseed, omega, and hemp seeds.

I have a change in meals every day like chicken, red meat, pork, and pulses like lentils and beans. Every day I eat fruits like avocado and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, etc.

I go to the gym four days a week, including running. And I am intolerant to yeast, lactose, nuts.

It is very strange that my folate is low because I eat healthily.

As a supplement, I only take BCAA, an amino acid, a bit of beta-alanine, another amino acid.

Thank you so much.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for this information. Your diet is diverse and healthy. However, the flaxseed might contain cyanide, which is a poison and can have a bone marrow suppressive effect. This is the case if you are consuming raw seeds, which is probably not the case. As I mentioned earlier, a short trial with folate might be helpful.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Elina Angelova Beleva
Dr. Elina Angelova Beleva

Hematology

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