Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Grapefruit Lower Hematocrit Levels In Blood?
Question: My hemoglobin/hematocrit/RBC were all elevated due to HRT (T cypionate). I had a 500ml ther phlebotomy to reduce them (hgb dropped from 18.5 to 17.5). Since then, i started eating a grapefruit each day, and it has lowered to 16.4. Does the grapefruit really reduce the hgb or does it just interfere with the lab results? Also, ferritin level has dropped to 16 (from 110), serum iron is 79 ... Im thinking both if these values are too low. Due to recent phlebotomy? I perform regular high intensity strength training and eat a low carb whole foods diet...lots of beef, chicken, eggs, greens and other low-starch vegetables (iron rich foods as i understand).
Brief Answer:
Eat 1/2 to a whole grapefruit every day
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Grapefruit lowers hematocrit levels in blood.
Eating 1/2 to a whole grapefruit every day can lower your hgb levels.
The higher your levels, the more effective grapefruit will be.
You should include a half grapefruit with your breakfast and half the other half as a snack at midday.
It contains naringin, a flavonoid which is seen in high concentrations in grapefruit which can lead to phagocytosis, which is a process that naturally removes red blood cells from your blood, converting them into other uses.
Your ferritin and serum iron is not that low and you should not worry
Regards
DR DE
Eat 1/2 to a whole grapefruit every day
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Grapefruit lowers hematocrit levels in blood.
Eating 1/2 to a whole grapefruit every day can lower your hgb levels.
The higher your levels, the more effective grapefruit will be.
You should include a half grapefruit with your breakfast and half the other half as a snack at midday.
It contains naringin, a flavonoid which is seen in high concentrations in grapefruit which can lead to phagocytosis, which is a process that naturally removes red blood cells from your blood, converting them into other uses.
Your ferritin and serum iron is not that low and you should not worry
Regards
DR DE
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
