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Monocytes are white blood cells that differentiate into other cells to regulate cellular homeostasis. Monocytes monitor for the presence of microbes, and they coordinate an immune response during infection and inflammation. (source, source)
Low monocyte levels may be influenced by physiological factors involving bone marrow function, where monocytes are produced, and the spleen, which helps regulate their circulation. Nutritionally, the consumption of vitamins and minerals necessary for immune function, such as vitamin C and zinc, can positively impact monocyte levels. (source, source)
Prioritize foods high in B vitamins: Vitamin B12 plays a key role in platelet development. Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of magakaryocytes, cells that are responsible for producing platelets. Consuming foods high in B vitamins will increase MPV. (source, source) Recommendation: Consume at least two servings of foods high in B vitamins daily.
One serving examples: Mackerel (3 oz), Beef (3 oz), Pork (3 oz), Chicken (3 oz), Beef Heart (3 oz)
Train regularly: Exercise has been shown to increase MPV. (source) Aerobic exercise increases the circulation of activated platelets. These hyperactive platelets are then cleared by the spleen, which releases younger and larger platelets into circulation, increasing MPV. (source) Recommendation: Follow a structured training program that exerts your body through multiple resistance and aerobic intensities. This includes a structured aerobic program that ensures at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity (50 to 70% max heart rate) or 75 minutes of high intensity (75% max heart rate or greater) a week and a structured resistance training program with moderate to heavy loads at least twice a week for resistance training. The final set of each resistance training exercise should be taken within two repetitions of failure.
Supplement with a vitamin B complex: Vitamin B12 plays a key role in platelet development. Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of magakaryocytes, cells that are responsible for producing platelets. Supplementation with B12 will increase MPV. (source, source) Recommendation: Supplement with a vitamin B complex that has at least 50% of daily recommendations for each B vitamin.
High monocyte levels can be influenced by physiological factors related to immune system activation, where these white blood cells are mobilized to fight infections or respond to inflammation. From a nutritional perspective, certain dietary factors can also impact monocyte levels, such as excessive intake of saturated fats and sugars, which may promote inflammation and immune dysfunction. (source, source)
Avoid gluten: Gluten often causes an autoimmune response resulting in elevated markers of inflammation, especially in those with sensitivities. MPV has been shown to increase with inflammation due to the release of platelets as an immune response. (source) Avoiding gluten decreases MPV. Recommendation: Avoid foods containing gluten.
Prioritize foods high in vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency promotes the release of proinflammatory cytokines that may lead to a high MPV. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the reduction of platelet size, thereby reducing MPV. (source) Consuming foods high in vitamin D decreases MPV. Recommendation: Consume at least one serving of foods high in vitamin D daily.
One serving examples: Rainbow Trout 3 oz Salmon 3 oz Maitake Mushrooms (sliced) 1 cup Fortified Milk 8 oz
Maintain an athletic body composition: Obesity has been shown to elicit negative effects on platelet formation, which is reflected in MPV. Decreasing fat mass has been shown to decrease MPV. (source) Adipose tissue secretes various compounds that influence platelet size, with increases in adipose tissue leading to the production of larger platelets, resulting in increased MPV. (source) Maintaining an athletic body composition will aid in the regulation of MPV. Recommendation: Maintain a high-performance diet and exercise program that supports a body composition of no more than 15% body fat for men and 20% for women.
Supplement with vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency promotes the release of proinflammatory cytokines that may lead to a high MPV. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the reduction of platelet size. (source) Supplementation with vitamin D reduces MPV. Recommendation: Supplement with at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
