Bone marrow is tissue found inside your bones producing your blood
cells. Strong, healthy bone marrow requires foods rich in vitamins and
minerals.
Foods rich in iron can help bone marrow function more
effectively. The body only absorbs approximately 1 milligram of the 10
to 20 milligrams consumed, according to University of Maryland Medical
Center. Thirty percent of your iron is stored in your bone marrow,
spleen or liver. Most of the iron absorbed is used by the bone marrow
for erythropoiesis, a process producing new red blood cells. Foods rich
in iron include red meats, shellfish, cabbage, lima beans and
iron-fortified cereals and bread. Also, consume foods rich in vitamin C
to aid in the absorption of iron. Vitamin C sources include citrus
fruits like oranges, grapefruit and tangerines.
Folic acid, a B vitamin, aids in platelet functioning and
DNA synthesis, a vital step in cell reproduction. In the absence of
proper synthesis of DNA, healthy division of your bone marrow cells does
not occur. Division of bone marrow cells aids in the development of
mature blood cells like platelets. Folic acid deficiencies cause
atypical platelet growth. Foods rich in folic acid include liver, egg
yolk, beans, almonds, sweet potato, wholegrain bread, spinach, cabbage,
oranges and peaches.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of healthy bone
marrow. Folic acid and vitamin B12 work together during hematopoiesis,
the manufacturing of bone marrow blood cells. For these red blood cells
to develop in the bone marrow, vitamin B12 activates enzymes and
regulates DNA synthesis. Food sources of vitamin B12 include liver, egg
yolk, cheese, red meat, fish, cabbage, spinach and kale.
Foods rich in vitamin A help regulate proteins generated in
your cells, which aids in cellular development. Vitamin A is
particularly known to promote stem cell maturation in your bone marrow.
When vitamin A is deficient in your body, typical blood cell growth is
halted, as reported by the Linus Pauling Institute. Strengthen your bone
marrow and cells by ingesting vitamin A-rich foods. These foods include
carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, pumpkin, cod liver oil and eggs.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Some of your medicines might deplete calcium, which is important for
maintaining bone strength. When the staff reviews your medications and
labs, they will inform you if this is likely to be a problem. Phosphorus
is a mineral that helps to strengthen bones. Some bone marrow
transplant patients often need additional phosphorus. Unless you are
following a special diet, we recommended you eat a diet high in calcium
and phosphorus.
Dairy products high in calcium and phosphorus include:
- Creamer (pasteurized)
- Milk (skim, low-fat, whole)
- Natural cheese, processed cheese (pre-packaged)
- Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese
- Yogurt (regular or frozen)
- Pudding, custard
- Ice cream or ice milk
- Cream soup
- Buttermilk
- Evaporated milk
- Powdered milk
Non-dairy products high in calcium include:
- Calcium-enriched fruit juice
- Roasted almonds
- Dried peas and beans (cooked thoroughly)*
- Tofu (calcium enriched, cooked thoroughly)
- Greens (kale,collard, mustard, turnip*)
- Canned salmon with soft bones
- Broccoli*
- Bok choy
- Spinach
- Mackerel
- Sardines*
- Shrimp
*a good source of phosphorus
Additional foods with significant amounts of phosphorus:
- Brussels sprouts
- Peanut butter
- Beef and Chicken livers
- Whole grain breads
- Coconut
- Chocolate
- Avocados
- Chick peas
- Nuts
- Mushrooms
- Artichokes
- Tropicana Fruit Punch®
- Hawaiian Punch®
- Tropicana Peach Papaya®
- Tropicana Strawberry Melon®
- Fruitworks -- all varieties except pink lemonade
- Cool Iced Tea -- all varieties except lemonade iced tea
Potassium and magnesium
Antibiotics, diarrhea, and vomiting can cause electrolyte (mineral)
imbalances. Even after your hospital discharge, it is common to require
potassium and magnesium supplementation, which can be given by pill or
intravenous infusion.
Potassium is an electrolyte (mineral) that maintains normal fluid
balance, supports cell integrity, facilitates the making of protein,
assists in the transmission of nerve impulses, and the contraction of
the heart and other muscles.
Fruit sources of potassium include:
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Dates, figs
- Honeydew/cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Prunes
- Raisins
Vegetables high in potassium include:
- Artichokes
- Bamboo shoots
- Beans
- Beets
- Chard
- Chick peas
- Escarole
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- White potatoes, sweet potatoes
Magnesium is also an electrolyte (mineral) that is involved in bone
mineralization, building of protein, transmission of nerve impulses, and
normal muscular contraction.
Significant sources of magnesium include:
- Legumes
- Leafy green vegetables
- Nuts
- Milk
- Whole grain cereals
- Chocolate
- Meat
