Life Cycle of Red Blood Cell

[WIZARD6787]

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/343....

"The average life cycle of a human RBC is approximately 120 days. Generally, by this point, the cell is worn out and damaged. RBCs pass through both the spleen and liver, where specialized immune cells called macrophages are found."

I find it helpful to be aware that any change in supplement regiment may affect RBC production and or function and this change may not be complete for 120 days or more.

I accept that the changes that may happen to the RCB are not completely understood. A lot of knowledge does not equate to complete understanding.

I find it reasonable to assume if RBC production and function changes and how it changes will affect the function of the neurological system.

I find it helpful to evaluate and changes I make in my supplement regiment in 30 day increments. I may notice changes within the 30 days.

I personally find no comfort in the concept it takes time which is true. It is also true that if I am not supplementing in a way that is effective then time will make no difference at all.

[FlipperTD]

Interesting article. The 120 days is fair. It's tricky to actually measure in real life, and the process is full of trips and traps.

What isn't often mentioned is that the body can cope with considerable over-production in some conditions, such as hereditary spherocytosis [a red cell membrane defect] and a wide range of other conditions.

Providing there's an adequate supply of folate in particular, plus everything else you need in the 'how to make a red cell' recipe book.

I've seen cases where the red cell survival is reduced to 15 days instead of 120; the bone marrow expands into the long bones and other spaces, to cope with the increased demand.

However, if you run out of folate, or get treated with a folate antagonist, the drop in haemoglobin is alarming.

The body's ability to cope with 'overload' is truly amazing.