The red blood cells are very important to a person’s everyday function. Due to the fact that the red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the component that not only gives blood its red color but also is responsible for carrying oxygen all over the human body, it can be safely said that the red blood cell is one of the most important things within our bodies. Lack of red blood cells is called anemia. However, there are instances that the red blood cells become enlarged. The medical term for such a condition is called macrocytosis. A lot of doctors also refer to the condition as macrocythemia. Though the condition of enlarged red blood cells may sound ominous, it actually has no complications and usually is just an end result of some other cause. The most common cause of enlarged red blood cells is bone marrow dysplasia due to alcohol abuse. Bone marrow dysplacia is the abnormality in the maturation of cells in the bone marrow. Another cause of enlarged red blood cells is a deficiency of Vitamin B2 or folate, or folic acid. Folic acid is a very essential part in the production and maintenance of new cells. A lack of folic acid would mean the cells would have less maintenance, hence the enlargement. Other causes of enlarged red bloods are hypothyroidism, reticulocytosis, liver disease andmyeloproliferative diseases. These are diseases in the bone marrow that cause the excessive production of cells. These diseases could quite possibly evolve into more serious illnesses like myelodisplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. One great way to avoid enlarged red blood cells is to take good care of one’s body by choosing the proper diet. Eating foods that are rich in Vitamin B12 and folate or folic acid would go a long way in assuring the proper growth of cells in the body. Taking in a lot of iron would also be good for one’s red blood cells.
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