8. Malnutrition
Even if a person gets enough calories, a vitamin deficiency can cause a low white blood cell count. The body requires enough essential minerals and vitamins for metabolism and cell production. A lack of vitamins C, D, B6 and B12 may cause low white blood cell counts. Low iron, or anemia, may also affect the body’s ability to produce white blood cells. Eating disorders may also cause depletion of nutrients required for blood cell production.
9. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is another autoimmune disorder. It causes chronic inflammation of the joints as well as the blood vessels, eyes, skin and other tissues and organs. The inflammation may lead to a low white blood cell count. Some of the drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis also deplete the number of leukocytes.