Platelet Count
Routine annualalso —
What it isPlatelets are tiny cell fragments shed from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. They circulate for about 10 days and form clots at sites of vessel injury.
DoesPlug holes in damaged vessels and trigger the clotting cascade; also participate in inflammation.
GoodA mid-range platelet count balances clotting capacity against thrombotic risk.
BadLow platelets (thrombocytopenia) raise bleeding risk. High platelets indicate inflammation, iron deficiency, or rare myeloproliferative disorders, and elevated counts predict cardiovascular events.
- Standard
- 150–400 K/µL.
- Optimal
- 175–250 K/µL (narrow target)
- Modifiers
- Rises with inflammation, iron deficiency, splenectomy; falls with viral infection, autoimmune disease, alcohol, certain drugs.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Address inflammation drivers; moderate alcohol.
- Diet
- Mediterranean pattern; adequate iron, folate, B12.
- Supplements
- Address iron deficiency if elevated; omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day).
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Treat underlying cause.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Blood Cells