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Are There Any Drugs That Can Increase WBC Or Immune Fighting Capability Without Much Side Effects?
Question: Hi. I am 73 years old in good general health. CBC shows my WBC is down to 3.4 in two separate readings.
1) Should I be concerned
2) How can I increase my WBC
3)If I am going to a gathering with many people, should I take extra vitamins to protect myself. Which ones and how much.
4) Are there any drugs that can increase WBC or immune fighting capability without much side effects.
Thanks.
1) Should I be concerned
2) How can I increase my WBC
3)If I am going to a gathering with many people, should I take extra vitamins to protect myself. Which ones and how much.
4) Are there any drugs that can increase WBC or immune fighting capability without much side effects.
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
first determine the underlying cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Hope my answer will help you well.
According to your information about your CBC result of WBC down to 3.4 that have been confirmed from two separate readings.
Should you be concerned? A white blood cell (WBC) count of 3.4 is slightly below the typical normal range 4.0-12.0x10^3/ul. While this might not indicate a serious problem. But you need to determine the cause and whether any further testing or monitoring with your health provider. Good medical history and examination is very important to determine your cause.
You can increase WBC: first determine the underlying cause. Diet: by eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains can support immune health. Exercise : regular, can maintain a healthy immune system. Sleep can ensure you get adequate and quality sleep. Manage stress if you have one.
If you are going to a gathering with many people, the supplements that you can take are Vitamin C the dose 500-1000 mg per day, Vitamine D the dose 1000-2000 IU per day, Zinc 15-30mg per day.
4. Drug that can increase WBC or immune fighting capability without much side effect. This question is difficult to answer for you. Because some drugs are used only for specific conditions such as for patients who have chemotherapy. You better do it naturally, as mentioned above, a healthy lifestyle we prefer you to follow because that is the best for no side effects.
Discussing with your home practitioner is better for your health.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Heang Chan Raksmey, General and Family Physician
first determine the underlying cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Hope my answer will help you well.
According to your information about your CBC result of WBC down to 3.4 that have been confirmed from two separate readings.
Should you be concerned? A white blood cell (WBC) count of 3.4 is slightly below the typical normal range 4.0-12.0x10^3/ul. While this might not indicate a serious problem. But you need to determine the cause and whether any further testing or monitoring with your health provider. Good medical history and examination is very important to determine your cause.
You can increase WBC: first determine the underlying cause. Diet: by eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains can support immune health. Exercise : regular, can maintain a healthy immune system. Sleep can ensure you get adequate and quality sleep. Manage stress if you have one.
If you are going to a gathering with many people, the supplements that you can take are Vitamin C the dose 500-1000 mg per day, Vitamine D the dose 1000-2000 IU per day, Zinc 15-30mg per day.
4. Drug that can increase WBC or immune fighting capability without much side effect. This question is difficult to answer for you. Because some drugs are used only for specific conditions such as for patients who have chemotherapy. You better do it naturally, as mentioned above, a healthy lifestyle we prefer you to follow because that is the best for no side effects.
Discussing with your home practitioner is better for your health.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Heang Chan Raksmey, General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. LAKSHMI
Thank you for your clear response.
1) To determine the cause of lower WBC, what speciality doctor or doctors I should see. It is ok if you suggest seeing more than one doctor. My diet, exercise, protein and stress control are already in line with what you mentioned
2) My daily multi vitamin has zinc and vitamin D as you suggested. Vitamin C is only 70 mg.
3)I understand that vitamin C has a very short half life. In stead of taking 500 to 1000 mg daily, should I just take say 1500 to 2000 mg vitamin C if I am going to a gathering of people. Should I take a vitamin package meant for airline travel etc. Is it good to do it only when going to a gathering of people.
4)Does daily high intake of vitamin C increase WBC.
5)Are there other things in CBC that are important to immunity.
Thanks.
1) To determine the cause of lower WBC, what speciality doctor or doctors I should see. It is ok if you suggest seeing more than one doctor. My diet, exercise, protein and stress control are already in line with what you mentioned
2) My daily multi vitamin has zinc and vitamin D as you suggested. Vitamin C is only 70 mg.
3)I understand that vitamin C has a very short half life. In stead of taking 500 to 1000 mg daily, should I just take say 1500 to 2000 mg vitamin C if I am going to a gathering of people. Should I take a vitamin package meant for airline travel etc. Is it good to do it only when going to a gathering of people.
4)Does daily high intake of vitamin C increase WBC.
5)Are there other things in CBC that are important to immunity.
Thanks.
DOB: 01/01/1949
Sex: M
Phone: (215) 478-2392
Patient ID: 1418
Age: 75
Fasting:
Specimen: CZ147737Y
Requisition: 0000
Lab Reference ID: 88335CE14458
Report Status: FINAL
Collected: 07/01/2024 08:45
Received: 07/01/2024 08:46
Reported: 07/01/2024 23:54
Client #: 0000
GOLDSTEIN XXXXXXX
PERSONALIZED INT MED PC
Phone: (215) 752-8889
Fax: (215) 757-5910
SUITE 311
385 OXFORD VALLEY RD
YARDLEY, PA 19067-7700
CBC (INCLUDES DIFF/PLT)
CURRENTRANGEOVER TIME
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT
3.4 L
Reference Range: 3.8-10.8 Thousand/uL
RED BLOOD CELL COUNT
5.24
Reference Range: 4.20-5.80 Million/uL
HEMOGLOBIN
14.6
Reference Range: 13.2-17.1 g/dL
HEMATOCRIT
43.7
Reference Range: 38.5-50.0 %
MCV
83.4
Reference Range: 80.0-100.0 fL
MCH
27.9
Reference Range: 27.0-33.0 pg
MCHC
33.4
Reference Range: 32.0-36.0 g/dL
RDW
12.5
Reference Range: 11.0-15.0 %
PLATELET COUNT
166
Reference Range: 140-400 Thousand/uL
MPV
13.9 H
Reference Range: 7.5-12.5 fL
ABSOLUTE NEUTROPHILS
1411 L
Reference Range: 1500-7800 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE LYMPHOCYTES
1448
Reference Range: 850-3900 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE MONOCYTES
391
Reference Range: 200-950 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILS
129
Reference Range: 15-500 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE BASOPHILS
20
Reference Range: 0-200 cells/uL
NEUTROPHILS
41.5
%
LYMPHOCYTES
42.6
%
MONOCYTES
11.5
%
EOSINOPHILS
3.8
%
BASOPHILS
0.6
%
Sex: M
Phone: (215) 478-2392
Patient ID: 1418
Age: 75
Fasting:
Specimen: CZ147737Y
Requisition: 0000
Lab Reference ID: 88335CE14458
Report Status: FINAL
Collected: 07/01/2024 08:45
Received: 07/01/2024 08:46
Reported: 07/01/2024 23:54
Client #: 0000
GOLDSTEIN XXXXXXX
PERSONALIZED INT MED PC
Phone: (215) 752-8889
Fax: (215) 757-5910
SUITE 311
385 OXFORD VALLEY RD
YARDLEY, PA 19067-7700
CBC (INCLUDES DIFF/PLT)
CURRENTRANGEOVER TIME
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT
3.4 L
Reference Range: 3.8-10.8 Thousand/uL
RED BLOOD CELL COUNT
5.24
Reference Range: 4.20-5.80 Million/uL
HEMOGLOBIN
14.6
Reference Range: 13.2-17.1 g/dL
HEMATOCRIT
43.7
Reference Range: 38.5-50.0 %
MCV
83.4
Reference Range: 80.0-100.0 fL
MCH
27.9
Reference Range: 27.0-33.0 pg
MCHC
33.4
Reference Range: 32.0-36.0 g/dL
RDW
12.5
Reference Range: 11.0-15.0 %
PLATELET COUNT
166
Reference Range: 140-400 Thousand/uL
MPV
13.9 H
Reference Range: 7.5-12.5 fL
ABSOLUTE NEUTROPHILS
1411 L
Reference Range: 1500-7800 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE LYMPHOCYTES
1448
Reference Range: 850-3900 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE MONOCYTES
391
Reference Range: 200-950 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILS
129
Reference Range: 15-500 cells/uL
ABSOLUTE BASOPHILS
20
Reference Range: 0-200 cells/uL
NEUTROPHILS
41.5
%
LYMPHOCYTES
42.6
%
MONOCYTES
11.5
%
EOSINOPHILS
3.8
%
BASOPHILS
0.6
%
I have sent my CBC results for your evaluation
Brief Answer:
Eat healthy food, fruit, vegetable and exercise can help your immune strong
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Hope my answer will help you well.
Specialties to consult for low WBC
You can start with your primary care doctor, who can help you with initial evaluations. You better do it naturally as I mentioned the last answer, a healthy lifestyle we prefer you to follow and combination supplements.
2-3. Vitamin C supplementation: Daily intake of 500 to 1000mg of vitamin C is generally sufficient for most people. For gathering or when you’re at higher risk of exposure to infections, taking a higher dose of Vitamin C(e.g., 1500 to 2000mg) temporarily can be beneficial. But you need to be aware of gastric acid pain. Using a vitamin package meant for airline travel which often includes vitamin C and other immune-support nutrients, can be a good strategy when you’re exposed to crowded places.
4. Daily high intake of vitamin C impact on WBC is limited evidence that directly increases WBC count. However, vitamin C supports immune function, which can help maintain healthy WBC levels indirectly.
5. The differential WBC count and other CBC components (WBC, Differential WBC count, Red blood cell count, Platelets) are important for a comprehensive understanding of immune health.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Heang Chan Raksmey, General and Family Physician
Eat healthy food, fruit, vegetable and exercise can help your immune strong
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Hope my answer will help you well.
Specialties to consult for low WBC
You can start with your primary care doctor, who can help you with initial evaluations. You better do it naturally as I mentioned the last answer, a healthy lifestyle we prefer you to follow and combination supplements.
2-3. Vitamin C supplementation: Daily intake of 500 to 1000mg of vitamin C is generally sufficient for most people. For gathering or when you’re at higher risk of exposure to infections, taking a higher dose of Vitamin C(e.g., 1500 to 2000mg) temporarily can be beneficial. But you need to be aware of gastric acid pain. Using a vitamin package meant for airline travel which often includes vitamin C and other immune-support nutrients, can be a good strategy when you’re exposed to crowded places.
4. Daily high intake of vitamin C impact on WBC is limited evidence that directly increases WBC count. However, vitamin C supports immune function, which can help maintain healthy WBC levels indirectly.
5. The differential WBC count and other CBC components (WBC, Differential WBC count, Red blood cell count, Platelets) are important for a comprehensive understanding of immune health.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Heang Chan Raksmey, General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. LAKSHMI
Thank you for your clear response.
If I take no supplement for vitamin C except when going to a gathering, is that OK ? So Sunday through Friday, take no vitamin C supplement. Saturday take 1500 mg vitamin C because I am meeting a group of 40 people.
If I take no supplement for vitamin C except when going to a gathering, is that OK ? So Sunday through Friday, take no vitamin C supplement. Saturday take 1500 mg vitamin C because I am meeting a group of 40 people.
Brief Answer:
It is important to get a regular intake to maintain adequate levels
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Hope my answer will help you well.
Your body does not store vitamin C, so it is important to get a regular intake to maintain adequate levels. While occasional supplementation is 1500 mg of vitamin C on Sundays is unlikely to cause harm for most people, it's important to consider the benefits of consistent intake throughout the week and to ensure you’re meeting your daily vitamin C needs through a balanced diet whenever possible.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Heang Chan Raksmey, General and Family Physician
It is important to get a regular intake to maintain adequate levels
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your question. Hope my answer will help you well.
Your body does not store vitamin C, so it is important to get a regular intake to maintain adequate levels. While occasional supplementation is 1500 mg of vitamin C on Sundays is unlikely to cause harm for most people, it's important to consider the benefits of consistent intake throughout the week and to ensure you’re meeting your daily vitamin C needs through a balanced diet whenever possible.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Heang Chan Raksmey, General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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