How to Increase RBC Count
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 15/02/2024
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are responsible for delivering oxygen to the tissues in your body. For a well-functioning, healthy body, it is important to maintain the right number of red blood cells (RBCs). There is a direct correlation between anaemia and red blood cell count.
Let’s understand the role that RBCs play in our body and how to increase red blood cell count.
What is the RBC Count?
The RBC count is the blood test that tells you how many blood cells you have in your body. RBCs contain haemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen around the body.
The number and functional capacity of your red blood cells determine how much oxygen will be delivered to your body’s tissues.
Generally, women have a lower RBC count when compared to men, and the level of red blood cells tends to reduce with age. The normal RBC count range is:
Women: 3.8 to 5.2 x 10*12/L
Men: 4.0 to 5.9 x 10*12/L
Why is the RBC Count Important?
The results of the RBC count can assist with the diagnosis of blood-related health conditions such as iron deficiency, anaemia, etc. Anaemia occurs when your blood has a low amount of red blood cells or lacks haemoglobin.
A low RBC count is also an indication of a deficiency of vitamins B6, B12, or folate. It can also signify kidney ailments, internal bleeding, or malnutrition.
The Connection Between Anaemia and Your RBCs
If you frequently feel sluggish and exhausted, you may be experiencing symptoms of anaemia. Anaemia and red blood cell count are directly related to each other, as anaemia occurs when you have a low RBC count.
A low RBC count means your body has to work harder to transport oxygen in your body.
By consuming nutrients such as Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B12, Iron, Copper, and Vitamin A, one can increase the RBC count in the blood.
How to Increase Red Blood Cell Count with Foods and Supplements
There are certain key nutrients that your body requires to increase RBC, and meeting the daily nutrient requirement can supplement their production.
Here is the list of foods to increase RBC alongside the nutrients that assist with their production:
| Food to Increase RBC | Nutrients they Comprise |
|---|---|
| Lean meat, seafood, nuts, beans, lentils, raisins | Iron |
| Spinach, liver, brussels sprouts, asparagus | Folic acid |
| Meat, poultry, fish, dairy products such as milk and cheese, eggs | Vitamin B12 |
| Shellfish, organ meats such as liver, whole grain products, wheat bran cereals, nuts, seeds | Copper |
| Fish, eggs, dairy products, leafy greens, carrots, potatoes | Vitamin A |
In addition to the above-mentioned foods, there are also certain fruits to increase RBC. These include apricots, apples, grapes, bananas, pomegranates, and watermelons - all of which play a crucial role in improving haemoglobin count.
Now that we have taken a look at the diet to increase RBC count, let’s also take a look at supplements to increase RBC:
If your diet to increase RBC count is insufficient and does not contain the key nutrients, you can speak with your doctor about taking the necessary supplements to increase RBC.
Generally, your doctor may recommend the following:
| Supplements to Increase RBC Count in Blood | Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) per day |
|---|---|
| Iron | Females (age 19-50): 18 mg Males (age 19-50): 8 mg per day |
| Vitamin C | Males: 90 mg Females (19 and older): 75 mg |
| Copper | For adults aged 19 and older: 900 mcg |
| Vitamin A (retinol) | Females (19 and older): 700 mcg Males (19 and older): 900 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | For individuals aged 14 and older: 2.4 mcg |
| Vitamin B9 (folate) | For individuals aged 14 and older: 400 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | For adults between 19-50 years of age: 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin E | For individuals aged 14 and older: 15 mg |
The aforementioned supplements can help to increase RBC count in blood, however, it is important to speak with your doctor before including them in your routine.
Conclusion
Simply knowing how to increase the red blood cell count is not enough to keep you healthy. You must supplement your knowledge with actions to keep your health in optimal condition. And for unforeseeable health conditions, you can buy health insurance online.
Your health insurance policy acts as your financial safety net in times of soaring hospital bills. You can even enhance your protection with critical illness insurance that will cover even complicated kidney-related ailments that can arise from severe anaemia.
However, before investing in any policy, you must compare health insurance plans to find one that best meets your healthcare needs.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
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