What Vitamins Can Cause Low White Blood Cells? A Comprehensive Guide to Leukopenia

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Medical research indicates that certain nutritional deficiencies can lead to a low white blood cell count, a condition known as leukopenia. Several vitamins can cause low white blood cells by impairing the bone marrow's ability to produce these vital immune cells, which can compromise the body's ability to fight off infections.

Quick Summary

Deficiencies in key nutrients like vitamin B12, folate, and copper can cause leukopenia by disrupting the normal production of blood cells in the bone marrow, compromising immune function.

Key Points

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 impairs DNA synthesis in bone marrow, causing a low white blood cell count (leukopenia).
Folate Deficiency: Similar to B12, folate deficiency disrupts cell division and maturation, leading to leukopenia, and is often seen with poor dietary intake.
Copper Deficiency: This rare but significant mineral deficiency can cause neutropenia and anemia by disrupting blood cell differentiation.
Other Nutrients: Zinc and, in some cases, iron deficiencies have also been linked to leukopenia and impaired immune function.
Reversible Condition: Leukopenia caused by nutrient deficiencies is typically reversible with proper supplementation and dietary changes once the root cause is identified.
Medical Consultation is Key: Given that leukopenia can be a sign of many serious conditions, a medical evaluation is essential to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Link Between Micronutrients and White Blood Cells

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are a critical component of the immune system, defending the body against infection and disease. They are produced in the bone marrow, and their formation is a complex process that relies on a sufficient supply of several key nutrients. When the body is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, this production can be severely hindered, resulting in leukopenia. While many factors can cause low white blood cell counts, nutritional deficiencies are a significant, and often reversible, cause.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Its Effect on Blood Cells

Vitamin B12 is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. A deficiency disrupts the maturation of blood cells, leading to abnormal cell production, including low white blood cells. This can manifest as megaloblastic anemia and pancytopenia (low counts of all blood cell types). Symptoms may include fatigue, pale skin, neurological issues like tingling, and increased infection risk. Supplementation can often restore blood counts to normal.

Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency and Leukopenia

Folate works with vitamin B12 in DNA synthesis, and its deficiency similarly impairs blood cell production in the bone marrow, leading to leukopenia and megaloblastic anemia. Causes include poor diet, malabsorption, or increased demand. Folate deficiency-induced leukopenia is typically treatable with supplements.

Copper Deficiency and Neutropenia

Copper is a trace mineral important for blood cell formation. Its deficiency is a known cause of anemia and neutropenia (a type of leukopenia affecting neutrophils) by disrupting hematopoietic stem cell function. Causes include malabsorption or excessive zinc intake. Copper replacement therapy generally resolves these blood abnormalities.

Comparison: Vitamin B12 vs. Folate Deficiency


Feature	Vitamin B12 Deficiency	Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency
Mechanism	Impairs DNA synthesis, causing megaloblastic anemia and leukopenia.	Impairs DNA synthesis, causing megaloblastic anemia and leukopenia.
Neurological Symptoms	Common, including tingling, numbness, and cognitive decline.	Less common, although some neuropsychiatric symptoms have been reported.
Diagnosis	Blood tests for B12 levels and specific metabolites like methylmalonic acid.	Blood tests for folate levels in serum and red blood cells.
Common Causes	Pernicious anemia, malabsorption issues (gastric surgery), vegan diet.	Poor diet, alcoholism, malabsorption (celiac disease), pregnancy.
Treatment	B12 injections or high-dose oral supplements.	Oral folic acid supplements.

Other Micronutrients Affecting White Blood Cells

While B12, folate, and copper are primary concerns, other nutrients also influence white blood cell counts.

Iron Deficiency: Can sometimes lead to leukopenia, especially neutropenia.
Zinc Deficiency: Linked to leukopenia, particularly in cases of chronic malnutrition. Excessive zinc can also indirectly cause leukopenia via copper deficiency.
Vitamin D: While involved in immune regulation, a direct causal link between low vitamin D and leukopenia has not been firmly established.

When to See a Doctor

Leukopenia can result from various causes beyond nutritional deficiencies, including infections, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow issues, and chemotherapy. A low white blood cell count requires medical investigation to determine the cause. A complete blood count (CBC) is typically the first step, followed by further tests as needed. Self-treatment with supplements without a proper diagnosis is not advisable.

Conclusion

Deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, and copper can cause leukopenia by impairing bone marrow function. These deficiencies are often treatable, but a medical diagnosis is crucial to rule out other serious causes like infections or cancer. Maintaining a balanced diet is important for preventing such deficiencies and supporting immune health.

For more information on blood cell disorders, visit the MedlinePlus website.

Additional Considerations for Leukopenia

Alcoholism: Chronic alcohol use can cause malnutrition and lead to B12 and folate deficiencies, resulting in leukopenia.
Malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease or gastric surgeries can impair nutrient absorption and cause deficiencies linked to leukopenia.
Medications: Some drugs can cause leukopenia as a side effect.

Seek medical advice for unexplained low white blood cells instead of self-treating to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common nutritional causes of low white blood cells, or leukopenia, are deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate (B9), which are both critical for blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. A deficiency disrupts these processes in the bone marrow, leading to the production of fewer white blood cells and other blood cell types.

No, copper deficiency is a relatively rare cause of leukopenia, but it is a recognized one. It more commonly leads to neutropenia (a specific type of leukopenia) and anemia, especially in individuals with malabsorption issues or excessive zinc intake.

Yes, some studies suggest that iron deficiency can cause leukopenia, particularly neutropenia, and that correcting the iron deficiency can resolve the condition.

You should not self-medicate with supplements if you have a low white blood cell count. It is crucial to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause, as leukopenia can also be a sign of infection, autoimmune disease, or cancer. Taking supplements might mask a more serious underlying issue.

Treatment for vitamin deficiency-induced leukopenia involves addressing the specific deficiency. This may include dietary changes, oral supplementation, or injections, particularly for severe B12 deficiencies. With treatment, blood cell counts typically return to normal.

Yes, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to poor nutrition and malabsorption, often causing deficiencies in folate and vitamin B12 that can result in leukopenia.