Normal neutrophil count
Release time : 07/26/2025 09:30:01
When it comes to normal values of neutrophils, many people may feel confused and look confused.
As the name suggests, the normal range for granulocytes is an indicator we measure to assess our body's health.
What is the normal range for neutrophils? What could be the reason if the count of neutrophils is low? And what should one eat when their count is low? Let's explore these topics together with the editor.
Neutrophils: Neutrophils are the distinctive granules present in Wright's stained blood smear that appear as colorless or very pale red.
Its nucleus is rod-shaped, or 2-5 lobes, with filaments connecting between the lobes.
Neutrophils originate from the bone marrow and contain granules within their cytoplasm, which are rich in enzymes.
The phagocytic and digestive functions of cells are related to their characteristics. Neutrophils possess the ability to chemotact, engulf, and kill pathogens.
What is the normal value for neutrophils? The normal percentage of neutrophils is between 0.40-0.75, meaning between 40% and 75%.
The absolute neutrophil count is between 1.80 and 6.30 * 10^9/L. Based on these two indicators, it is important to pay attention to the possibility of abnormal neutrophils, as any deviation could potentially pose a threat to our health.
When bacteria invade our bodies, neutrophils are the first to appear, playing a pivotal role in the human immune system. For medical professionals, examining a blood test result involves not only checking if the white blood cell count is below normal but also observing whether there has been a significant change in the number of neutrophils.
When the percentage of neutrophils and total white blood cell count is high, it indicates that the surface is solely infected by bacteria. If the percentage of lymphocytes is high, it suggests viral infection. However, if the count of total white blood cells and lymphocytes are high, while neutrophil percentage is low, it indicates that both viruses and bacteria have been infected.
What is the function of neutrophils? As we mentioned earlier, neutrophils play a crucial role in nonspecific cellular immunity. So, what exactly do neutrophils do? Let's delve into this together.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
If pus-forming bacteria invade the first line of the immune system, or if inflammation occurs, neutrophils are attracted to the site of invasion by chemotactic substances in the area.
The cytotoxins they produce can destroy cell membranes of bacteria and nearby tissues.
Additionally, the energy of neutrophils is obtained from glycolysis, so they can store even in conditions of swelling and hypoxia.
The neutrophils contain many lysosomes, which can decompose bacteria or tissue fragments in the cell.
It will surround invading bacteria in a local area and then destroy them, which can prevent further spread of pathogenic microorganisms in the body.
However, when neutrophils disintegrate, lysosomal enzymes released will dissolve surrounding tissues and cause abscesses.
In addition, the cell membrane in neutrophils also releases the unsaturated fatty acid of arachidonic acid. Under the action of enzymes, paracrine hormone substances such as thromboxane and prostaglandin are released, which can regulate blood vessel diameter and permeability, cause inflammatory reactions and pain, and affect blood coagulation.
What is the cause of a low neutrophil count? Neutrophils are also one type of white blood cell, and they have the function of phagocytosis and killing bacteria. They play an important role in defending against infections and other pathological processes.
We mentioned earlier the normal range for neutrophils, so what happens when they are low? Let's find out.
In the blood routine report, the main values are white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count.
If the neutrophil count is low, it may be due to the administration of other medications or certain antiviral drugs.
If the neutrophil count is reduced significantly, it will cause the body to completely or fundamentally lose resistance, allowing cells to rapidly diffuse within the organism and potentially enter our bloodstream, leading to sepsis, which poses a serious threat to life.
If the values of neutrophils are simply low, but the values of white blood cells and granulocytes are normal, there is generally no obvious pathological significance.
If the number of neutrophils is low, and the numbers of granulocytes and white blood cells also decrease, then it is very likely that you have been infected, such as viral infections such as hepatitis, influenza, rubella, and typhoid. Caused by bacterial infections, agranulocytosis can also cause this situation.
Typhoid, measles, influenza, and other diseases are common causes of neutrophil counts being low. Additionally, some hematological conditions such as aplastic anemia and autoimmune diseases can lead to decreased neutrophil levels.
What should I do if my neutrophil count is low? Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that can phagocytize foreign substances. Therefore, when neutrophils are involved in the elimination of bacteria, they temporarily decrease, which is a normal phenomenon.
However, if long-term neutropenia occurs, it can affect the immune system and even cause serious damage to the body. Therefore, what measures should we take when neutropenia occurs? Bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells produce neutrophils. After differentiation and development, these neutrophils enter the blood or tissues of the human body.
Therefore, when the neutrophil count is low, it is possible to improve the function of bone marrow by targeting it, and as a result, the neutrophil count will naturally return to normal.
Bone marrow is responsible for the production of proteins, phospholipids, and carbohydrates among other nutrients. Therefore, to enhance its function, it is essential to consume a diet rich in high-quality proteins, phospholipids, and vitamins.
When bacteria invade our bodies, interferon can cause a reduction in neutrophil numbers. Therefore, when neutrophils are low, it is appropriate to reduce the dosage of interferon. However, it should be noted that reducing the dosage of interferon may affect the clearance rate of bacteria. There is a marketed product called "Murphy's Blood" that stimulates colony-forming units, increasing both neutrophil and leukocyte counts. However, this stimulatory factor causes nausea and bone pain as side effects.
Neutrophils contain numerous lysosomal enzymes, among which the most important is myeloperoxidase. This enzyme is limited in quantity, even though neutrophils have a powerful phagocytic ability, they rarely or sometimes do not possess it at all. Therefore, myeloperoxidase can be considered a hallmark of neutrophils, and we can supplement the nutrients necessary for the formation of this enzyme.
What to eat when neutrophil count is low? Neutrophil deficiency is a common condition, and it can have significant impacts on the body. To enhance recovery, besides medication, adjusting your diet can also be beneficial. When neutrophil counts are low, it's advisable to consume plant-based foods such as peanuts, Chinese yam, cloves, jujubes, and goji berries, which can benefit neutrophil levels.
For example, jujube has the effect of replenishing qi, replenishing blood and replenishing the spleen. Anemia, blood deficiency, and decreased white blood cells and neutrophils are all very suitable for eating jujube.
Then there are edible fungi, such as Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus and other edible fungi.
Because these edible fungi contain nutrients that are beneficial for the treatment of neutropenia.
For example, polysaccharides in fungi such as shiitake mushrooms have a significant therapeutic effect on the reduction of leukocytes.
So we can use fresh shiitake mushrooms as a material for cooking.
Finally, eat some animal food, such as sea cucumber, lean meat, milk, eggs, and royal jelly and other animal food.
For example, royal jelly has the effects of nourishing, strengthening and strengthening the spleen. It is very suitable for some cancer patients who have reduced neutrophils and white blood cells after treatment.
Lean meat has a higher protein content, which enhances the body's immune system and increases the number of neutrophils and leukocytes.
Milk contains abundant calcium and iron, which can enhance the absorption of nutrients and increase resistance. It can improve neutrophil and leukocyte counts.
The medical information provided in this text is for reference only.
If you feel unwell, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately, and the medical diagnosis and treatment will be subject to offline diagnosis.