Foods That Strengthen Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is tissue found inside your bones producing your blood cells. Strong, healthy bone marrow requires foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

Iron

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

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

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.

Vitamin A

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