White Blood Cells

White Blood Cells, WBC, are a group of Blood Cells that are an integral component of the Immune System where they are involved in defending the body against foreign organisms.  White Blood Cells are colorless, possess a nucleus and are far less numerous than Red Blood Cells. There are 5 different types of white blood cells. 

*     Phagocytes

Other Substances that the function of specific types of White Blood Cells are listed in the topic for each individual type of White Blood Cell.

Amino Acids

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may improve the function of White BloodCells.  ^[1]

 Taurine concentrates in White Blood Cells. 

Carbohydrates

 Fucoidan may increase the number of ciruclating White Blood Cells.  ^[2]

 Treatment with Lentinan prior to Radiation Therapy may provide protection against the destruction of White Blood Cells that occurs as a result of Radiation Therapy (i.e. it functions as a radioprotector).

Carotenoids

 Beta-Carotene may increase the production of White Blood Cells and may enhance the function of White Blood Cells.  ^[3] 

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Exposure to Sunlight may increase the production of White Blood Cells (probably due to the UV-A content of Sunlight).  ^[4]

Enzymes

 Peroxidases is found in White Blood Cells.

Hormones

 Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is necessary for the correct function of the White Blood Cells. 

Lipids

 Alkylglycerols may stimulate the production of White Blood Cells.  ^[5]

 Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) may stimulate the production of White Blood Cells. 

 Squalene (administered orally) may prevent the destruction of White Blood Cells by exposure to Gamma-Rays.  ^[6] 

Lymphokines

 Interleukin 3 (IL-3) stimulates the production of almost all types of White Blood Cells in the Bone Marrow. 

Minerals

 Lithium may increase the production of White Blood Cells in persons with low White Blood Cell counts.  ^[7]

 Selenium (200 mcg per day) may stimulate the development and function of all types of White Blood Cells.  ^[8]