Low Neutrophils

[Naka]

What is the best way to increase low neutrophils? Any supplements maybe? I read something about PeakImmune4 here. Anybody taking it and can give me some feedback on it.

Nakajima

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

How low are your neutrophils?

You need to be wary of supplements that claim to boost immunity, because they could well boost B-cell/CLL growth. From totalhealthmagazine.com/Vit...

When taken as a food supplement, PeakImmune4 increases the activity of the body’s white blood cells—particularly T- and B-cell and especially natural killer (NK) cell function. With daily supplementation, NK cell activity is increased by more than 300 percent, B-cell activity by more than 250 percent and T-cell activity by 200 percent without overstimulating the immune system.

I've been neutropenic, often severity 3 or 4, for nearly 9 years and the two specialists I have seen have not recommended anything for my neutropenia. G-CSF injections can be temporarily used if your bone marrow is struggling to make neutrophils

Vigorous exercise can temporarily lift neutrophil counts, but doesn't address the root problem caused by CLL.

Neil

[Ozziebee in reply to AussieNeil]

Neil: You don't seem particularly freaked out by being neutropenic...until my last bloodwork, everything was normal ...except my WBC and then out of the blue.....my neutrophils came back 1.4. (they had been between 4 and 9). I found it pretty distressing but my oncologist wasn't particularly concerned. I am hoping for a bit better results next time!

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to Ozziebee]

Below 1.0 is (severity level 3) is when specialists become concerned. At 1.4, your disk of infection is only moderately increased. Given your previously good levels, I expect you'll be back in safe territory next blood test.

[Naka in reply to AussieNeil]

Neil thank you for the information. This is very helpful. I'm a little embarrassed my neutrophils are still in the normal range 1.9 but what got me running was that it was 3.6 in July and then down almost 1/2 way in 4 months.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to Naka]

Neutrophils don't last long, under a week. IF your bone marrow suddenly struggles to make them, you can see your counts roughly halve each week. (Happened to me.) Sudden drops may be infection related and as in all things, overall trends are what's important. You are still pretty well in the normal range (the lower limit depends on your lab), so hopefully your next blood test results will be healthier.

With CLL, neutropenia can be caused by bone marrow infiltration, an enlarged spleen, an auto immune complication (rare) and pretty well all treatments. There can be other non CLL related causes as well.

Neil

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to AussieNeil]

And my fav..LON.. late onset neutropenia from C20 monoclonal antibodies like Rituxan, Ofatumumab and Gazyva (obinutuzumab)...

I just experiened it about 5 months after 8 rounds of Rituxan. The counts dropped like Neil mentioned, stayed down a month, and are now back in range. 🙂

~chris

[jettyguy1]

I only know of one individual who claims that she had excellent results with raising neutrophils using Peak Immune 4. This individual has a blog called "CLL alternatives" and she devotes quite a lot of space to talking about how that supplement helped her. The basic ingredients in that supplement are shiitake mushrooms and rice bran, I believe. Shiitake if you research it, is said to raise white blood cells in general. She did not report a large raise in ALC,but she did feel that her neutrophils significantly improved. To TRY to raise my neutrophils I have added dry shiitake mushrooms to my menu and I already eat lots of brown rice....so we'll see what effects they have, if any. I have also read that cats claw tea and astragalus tea may increase neutrophils. One of those two(can't recall which one) allegedly is supposed to only raise what needs raising and not raise the bad stuff....that said,other than having read this....it's purely conjecture as far as I am concerned. But those are the four supplements /teas that are alleged to affect neutrophils that I have read about. I would proceed cautiously with any supplements or teas. Maybe even have a conversation with your doctor to get their input, before you start to supplement. If I see results from adding the actual mushrooms to my dietary regimen....I'll post them.