Can Poor Nutrition Cause Low Neutrophils?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2020 review in the journal 'International Journal of Laboratory Hematology', nutritional deficiencies are a recognized cause of chronic neutropenia, a condition characterized by low neutrophils. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin B12, folate, and copper, can disrupt the bone marrow's production of healthy white blood cells. This direct link between inadequate dietary intake and compromised immune function highlights the critical role of balanced nutrition.

Quick Summary

Nutritional deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, folate, and copper, can directly inhibit the bone marrow's ability to produce neutrophils. Severe protein-calorie malnutrition also impairs immune function. Correcting these deficiencies is a key intervention to restore neutrophil count and immune health.

Key Points

Nutrient Deficiencies Cause Neutropenia: Deficiencies in vitamins B12, folate, and minerals like copper directly impair bone marrow function, leading to low neutrophil counts.
Role of B Vitamins: Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for DNA synthesis required for the proper production of blood cells, including neutrophils.
Copper's Importance: Copper deficiency affects iron metabolism, disrupting the maturation process of blood cells in the bone marrow.
Reversible with Nutrition: Neutropenia caused by nutritional deficiencies can often be corrected with targeted supplementation and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
Impact on Overall Immunity: Malnutrition weakens the entire immune system, affecting mucosal barriers, cytokine production, and the function of immune cells.
Holistic Dietary Approach: Beyond supplementation, adopting a comprehensive, nutrient-dense diet is crucial for supporting long-term immune health and preventing infection.

The Critical Connection Between Nutrients and Neutrophil Production

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting bacterial infections. They are made in the bone marrow, and a low count, known as neutropenia, increases the risk of infection. While various factors contribute to neutropenia, poor nutrition is a notable cause that impacts bone marrow function and neutrophil production due to a lack of specific nutrients.

Key Nutrients for Neutrophil Health

Essential nutrients for healthy neutrophil production include:

Vitamin B12 and Folate (Vitamin B9): These are vital for DNA synthesis, essential for the proper formation of all blood cells, including neutrophils. Deficiencies can lead to abnormal, immature blood cells.
Copper: This mineral is needed for iron metabolism, which is necessary for producing mature blood cells. A lack of copper can result in both anemia and neutropenia.
Severe Protein-Calorie Malnutrition: Extreme lack of protein and calories suppresses bone marrow activity, affecting the production of all blood cells, including neutrophils.
Zinc: Involved in immune function, zinc deficiency can hinder the ability of neutrophils to engulf and destroy pathogens.

The Impact of Malnutrition on Immune Function

Malnutrition weakens the immune system in multiple ways:

It compromises the integrity of physical barriers like the gut lining.
It disrupts the production of immune signaling molecules (cytokines).
It impairs the function of immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages.

Comparison of Nutritional vs. Non-Nutritional Neutropenia Causes


Factor	Nutritional Neutropenia	Other Neutropenia Causes
Onset	Gradual, often chronic	Can be acute or chronic, depending on the cause
Associated Symptoms	Often accompanied by other cytopenias (e.g., anemia), fatigue, weakness	Varied; can include fever, mouth sores, recurrent infections
Common Deficiencies	Vitamin B12, Folate, Copper	None related to diet
Treatment	Nutrient supplementation, dietary changes	Addressing the underlying cause (e.g., stopping a medication, treating an infection)
Prognosis	Generally reversible with nutritional correction	Depends on the underlying condition; can range from temporary to requiring long-term management

Reversing Nutritional Neutropenia

Correcting neutropenia caused by poor nutrition involves targeted nutritional interventions. This can include supplements and a diet rich in essential nutrients. Good dietary sources include:

Vitamin B12: Animal products like fish, meat, eggs, and dairy.
Folate: Leafy greens, lentils, asparagus, and citrus fruits.
Copper: Whole grains, nuts, shellfish, and organ meats.

A Holistic Approach to Immune Health

For individuals with neutropenia due to nutritional deficiencies, a comprehensive dietary strategy is vital for overall immune support. A registered dietitian can offer tailored advice. Following food safety guidelines is also crucial to avoid infections, especially during severe neutropenia.

Conclusion

Poor nutrition is a confirmed cause of low neutrophils. Deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate, and copper hinder the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells, increasing vulnerability to infections. This type of neutropenia is often treatable by correcting the nutritional deficiencies through diet and supplementation. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to diagnose potential dietary causes and create a treatment plan. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is fundamental for a strong immune system, demonstrating the significant impact of nutrition on health and highlighting how dietary adjustments can support immune function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a vegetarian or vegan diet can lead to low neutrophils if not carefully managed. Since vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal products, those on strict plant-based diets are at higher risk of deficiency, which can cause neutropenia. Strategic supplementation or consumption of fortified foods is necessary.

The timeline for neutrophil recovery varies depending on the severity of the deficiency and the individual. With appropriate supplementation, counts can often improve within weeks to months. A doctor will monitor progress with blood tests to ensure levels return to normal.

Yes, neutropenia has many causes besides nutritional deficiencies, including viral infections (like HIV, hepatitis), bacterial infections (sepsis), certain medications (especially chemotherapy), autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), and bone marrow diseases (leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes).

Diagnosis requires consulting a healthcare professional. They will typically run a complete blood count (CBC) to measure neutrophil levels and other blood cells. If low, they may check blood levels of vitamin B12, folate, and copper to determine if a nutritional deficiency is the cause.

To support neutrophil production, focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 (meat, eggs, dairy), folate (leafy greens, lentils), and copper (nuts, shellfish). Ensuring adequate protein intake is also crucial for overall immune cell production.

For those with a compromised immune system due to low neutrophils, a doctor may recommend a neutropenic diet. This diet focuses on food safety to minimize exposure to bacteria, often involving well-cooked foods and avoiding raw or unpasteurized products.

Yes, malnutrition significantly increases the risk of infection when neutrophils are low. It creates a 'vicious cycle' where a weakened immune system from nutrient deficiencies makes the body more susceptible to infections, which in turn further deplete nutrient reserves.