Low White Blood Count (wbc)

[Eileen13]

I just had my first follow-up blood work done, six months post diagnosis. The only odd result was that my WBC dropped from 6.8 to 3.8. I looked at my last two years lab results for comparison, and each one showed my WBC at around 6.0. Why would my white blood count have dropped so drastically after I eliminated gluten from my diet? Any ideas? Is this a common link--celiac disease and low WBC?

[trents]

Was your doctor alarmed? It is rather odd that only the whites were down. Most of the blood/bown marrow disorders I am aware of either

show high white couunts (leukemia) or show a broader spectrum of blood cell count variance, i.e., reds, whites and platelets being affected

together such as with myelodysplasia or aplastic anemia. And if it was infection you'd think the whites would be elevated. Look up

leukocytopenia (low white blood cell count) on the internet and see what you get. Perhaps it is an auto immune effect just targeting the whites.

Anyway, it would be important to have some follow-up blood work done to see if this is a trend or just a fluke. By the way, you didn't mention if this lower count was out of the normal range or just lower than it had been. If it was too high before then it might be a good thing.

[Gemini]

I just had my first follow-up blood work done, six months post diagnosis. The only odd result was that my WBC dropped from 6.8 to 3.8. I looked at my last two years lab results for comparison, and each one showed my WBC at around 6.0. Why would my white blood count have dropped so drastically after I eliminated gluten from my diet? Any ideas? Is this a common link--celiac disease and low WBC?

Eileen....I wouldn't worry too much about it, especially if you are feeling well and have no symptoms of anything.

I have always had a low white cell count (which I realize is different from what you have experienced) and it is not unusual for a person with immune issues. There are certain components of your blood that will show immunity based problems but as long as you are feeling well and do not get sick often, it shouldn't be cause for alarm. I rarely get sick but still, after 3 1/2 years gluten-free, have low white cell counts and an abnormal serum protein count. I even went so far as seeing a hematologist about it and she reassured me that it was all due to being a Celiac.

The gluten-free diet is not a cure all for everything, as some would believe. However, many people go through life with wonky blood work and feel just fine.

[MaryJones2]

I just had my first follow-up blood work done, six months post diagnosis. The only odd result was that my WBC dropped from 6.8 to 3.8. I looked at my last two years lab results for comparison, and each one showed my WBC at around 6.0. Why would my white blood count have dropped so drastically after I eliminated gluten from my diet? Any ideas? Is this a common link--celiac disease and low WBC?

The range for the lab one of my doctors uses starts at 3.8 so doesn't seem like it's low enough to worry too much. It could be that you have less inflammation in your body now or like Gemini said a sign of immune issues. Did your doctor say anything about it?

[Lux]

Hiya,

I have been nearly 8 months gluten free now and went for a blood test a couple of weeks back. I also have a low white blood cell count - this really is much more common than you think. Doctors usually request that you take one more test to make sure that everything is fine (and it will be); I have heard that this is particularly common in women when they are stressed/run-down. Not to worry!

xo