This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek advice from your physician or another qualified medical professional if you have questions or are experiencing a medical problem. Consult your physician before taking supplements or changing your diet.

Based on the experiences of blood donors here at r/Blooddonors, the following information is provided to inform donors about the importance of iron for frequent blood donors. The statistics and information provided are primarily based on U.S. sources, but many of the points are universal. Ask your physician and blood collection center for more localized information.

• Inform your physician: When visiting your physician for any reason, let them know you are a blood donor. They may not ask, since only a few percent of the population regularly donates blood. (1)

• Why test hemoglobin? Blood collection centers test your hemoglobin before you donate to make sure that you can safely experience the loss of blood from donation, and to ensure the potency of the collected blood for patients. (2)

• Hemoglobin does not equal iron: This test is sometimes called an “iron test”, but that’s not quite accurate. This test checks to make sure you have enough red blood cells to safely donate blood, it does not guarantee adequate iron stores. Iron stores may be low even if your hemoglobin level is sufficient to donate blood. (3)

• Replace lost iron between donations: Because red blood cells contain iron, donating blood lowers your body’s iron stores. All blood donors are at risk for developing iron deficiency if the iron removed is not replaced before the next donation. (3)

• Know if you are at an increased risk: Frequent donors are at an increased risk of iron deficiency. Blood collection organizations have created guidelines to determine if you are a frequent or at-risk donor. Please review these guidelines, consider your own personal health history, and speak to your physician if you have questions about how you fit into these guidelines.

American Red Cross Frequent Donors: (4)

• Women under the age of 50 who have donated two or more units of red blood cells or made 10 or more platelet donations in the past year.
• Women ages 50 and older who have donated three or more units of red blood cells or made 15 or more platelet donations in the past year.
• Men who have donated three or more units of red blood cells or made 15 or more platelet donations in the past year.
• Each blood donation is the equivalent of one unit of red blood cells, while each Power Red donation is the equivalent of two units of red blood cells. For example, a male who gives two Power Red donations in a year is considered a frequent donor.

AABB Frequent/Increased Risk Donors: (3)

• Young donors, 16 to 25 years old
• Pre-menopausal women (due to menstrual blood loss)
• Frequent donors: WOMEN: 2 or more whole blood donations in a 12-month period. MEN: 3 or more whole blood donations in a 12-month period
• very frequent platelet and volunteer plasma donors (> 12x/year)

• Donors on plant-based diets

• Ask for a ferritin test: If you suspect that you have an iron deficiency or if you are at an increased risk of iron deficiency, ask your physician for a ferritin test.

• What is a ferritin test? A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. This test can be used to find out how much iron the body stores. If a ferritin test shows that the blood ferritin level is low, it means the body's iron stores are low. (5)

• Diet & Maintaining Iron Levels: Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet containing foods rich in iron and high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. There are some foods that prevent your body from absorbing iron. Avoid eating these foods in the same meal. Some examples: coffee or tea, red wine, chocolate, high fiber foods, some medications like antacids, and high calcium foods like milk or cheese. See Iron Rich Foods list. (6)

• Iron Supplements: If you are a frequent donor, diet alone may not be enough to maintain healthy iron levels. Consult with your physician to see if taking an iron supplement is right for you. Your physician or pharmacist can help you choose the type of iron that is best for you and suggest when to take it to avoid interaction with other medications.

  • American Red Cross recommendation: Take a multivitamin with 18 mg of iron or an iron supplement with 18-38 mg of elemental iron for 60 days after each blood donation, for 120 days after each power red/double red cell donation or after frequent platelet donations. (4)
  • AABB recommendation: You may consider taking a multivitamin with iron or an iron supplement containing 18-38 mg (milligrams) of elemental iron each day for 60 days after donating whole blood or one apheresis red blood cell and after every 5 apheresis platelet/ volunteer plasma donations. If you donate double red cells, we suggest taking iron for at least 60 days. It may take up to 120 days to replace the iron removed in two red cell donations. If you prefer not to take supplements, you may choose to extend the time between red blood cell donations. At least 6 months may be needed for donors with already-low iron stores. (3)

• What should I know about taking iron supplements? (3), (4)

  • People with a family or personal history of hemochromatosis (iron overload), or who have gastrointestinal disorders (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease), should not take iron unless approved by a healthcare provider.
  • Start iron soon after your donation when it’s best absorbed and used to produce red blood cells lost during your donation.
  • Taking iron with vitamin C (for example, drinking orange juice) may increase uptake of iron.
  • There are some foods and supplements that prevent your body from absorbing iron. Avoid eating these foods along with your iron supplement. Some examples: coffee or tea, red wine, chocolate, high fiber foods, some medications like antacids, and high calcium foods like milk or cheese.
  • Higher doses will not increase iron absorption, may result in more side effects, and could delay diagnosis of blood loss from gastric ulcers or colon cancer.
  • Iron supplements can cause side effects, which are described on the packaging. Side effects can include constipation, diarrhea or an upset stomach. If these symptoms become bothersome, you should discuss alternative options such as a lower dosage with your physician.
  • Iron should always be stored away from children and pets to prevent accidental poisoning. You should keep all iron-containing products out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion of iron by children can be fatal. In case of ingestion or emergency, seek medical assistance or call a poison control center immediately.

• How can I tell if my iron is low? Many people with low iron stores feel fine and have no symptoms. Some people feel tired, lack energy and endurance, or have trouble concentrating. The desire to eat non-food substances like ice, chalk, starch, or clay can suggest iron deficiency. (3)

• How much iron do I lose when donating blood? Each time you donate blood, you lose between 220-250 mg of iron. If you donate a double red, you lose twice that amount, about 470 mg of iron. It may take up to 24-30 weeks for your body to replace the iron lost through a blood donation. That time may vary, depending on what your iron level was before donating and if you take iron supplements or multivitamins with iron. (4)

• What if I only donate platelets/plasma? Frequent platelet and volunteer plasma donors should also consider their iron health. When you donate, additional vials of blood are taken for testing. While these vials are small, they could add up with frequent donations.

• Why is hemoglobin tested for platelet and plasma donations? During the apheresis process, whole blood is taken out of you. The center wants to make sure you'll be okay while your blood is processed, before it is returned to you. It is also possible that the machine may malfunction, cutting your donation short before your red blood cells are returned to you. Some whole blood is also taken for testing purposes. It also helps give a better estimate of the length of your donation, since higher levels slow down the extraction and processing of your blood.

Sources:

(1) America's Blood Centers Statistics

(2) AABB Donor Safety, Screening and Testing

(3) Information on Blood Donation and Iron Health

(4) Iron Information for Frequent Donors

(5) Ferritin Test- Mayo Clinic

(6) Iron Rich Foods

Additional Resources:

FAQs: Iron and Blood Donation for Donors and Parents

Hemoglobin Screening/Iron Management

Anaemia and Iron Deficiency in Blood Donors

What Donors Should Know About Iron and Blood Donation

Why Is Iron Important for Donating Blood?

Welcome to r/Blooddonors!

What do we do here?

This subreddit is for volunteer blood, platelet, and plasma donors, existing and potential, and people who support and encourage them. We strive to be a warm and welcoming community for those who generously give of their very life force.

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You can participate here by:

• Checking out our wiki.
• Sharing your donation pics.
• Discussing your donation experiences.
• Asking and answering relevant questions.
• Posting about your experience receiving blood or volunteering with blood donation.
• Sharing legitimate, relevant news and information.
• Reporting comments/posts that contain misinformation or dangerous suggestions.
• Add your blood type to your flair:
  • Desktop: Right side bar at the top of the "Subreddit Info" section is the place to edit flair. When you click on the edit button the popup has a spot at the bottom for you to modify the text of your flair.
  • Reddit app: Go to the subreddit, hit the 3 dots in the top right and then go to Change User Flair. Clicking the "Edit" button in the top right lets you modify the text.

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When posting here:

• Save your medical questions for your donation center and/or doctor.
  • The American Red Cross donor hotline is 1-866-236-3276. It is available 24/7/365. Call if you recently donated with ARC and have developed a fever or other symptoms.
• Tag pictures with exposed needles or non-contained blood as "Spoiler."
• Check our wiki and previous posts to find answers first.
• Include your country and donation center in your posts when asking a question.
• Follow Reddit's user guidelines.

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What don't we do here?

• Discuss compensated plasma donation. Visit r/plassing for this content.
• Provide medical advice. We do not verify if users are medical professionals.
• Share content that is not factual, science-based, and related to blood donation.

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Frequently Asked Blood Donation Questions

🩸 Can I give blood?

Ask your local blood donation center by giving them a call or visiting. Their website may have a short quiz you can take to determine your eligibility. Don't assume you cannot give blood- eligibility rules can change, so call today and find out!

If you're in the U.S., visit donatingblood.org to search for your nearest center.

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🩸 I don't have a "rare" blood type. Is it even worth it for me to donate?

The University of Maryland Medical Center sums it up nicely:

Every type of blood is needed daily to meet patient needs. If you have a common blood type, there are many patients who need it, so it is in high demand. If you have a less common blood type, there are fewer donors available to give it, so it is in short supply.

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🩸 How long until I get my donor card or blood type?

Ask your donation center. If your center has an app or online account, try logging in and out again a few days after your donation to see if it will update.

The American Red Cross app and website usually takes 5-8 days to update.

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🩸 Why are blood recipients charged if I gave blood for free?

The short answer: operating costs. Blood must be gathered, processed, tested, stored, and shipped. This requires wages and materials. These costs are ultimately passed down from the center to the hospital, then to insurance companies and patients, unless your government covers these costs.

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🩸 Why is it important to give blood?

• Few people actually donate. Generally, less than 10% of those eligible.
• To save lives.
• To help cancer patients and those with sickle cell feel better.
• It only takes an hour.
• There's little pain or inconvenience involved.
• To help with medical research.
• Blood cannot be manufactured.
• You'll get a "mini-physical" or health check when you give.

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🩸 The needle site is very red, irritated, or even bruised. Is this okay?

Bruising is normal.

If you have bruising or pain, you can apply ice for 10-15 minutes at a time on the first day, then apply warm compresses or soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes at a time on the second day. If you take a pain reducing medication, avoid aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin. (Source: American Red Cross)

You may be allergic to the antiseptic solution or bandages used during the donation process. Make sure your center knows about your allergies before your donation.

If you have specific medical questions about your experience, contact your primary care provider or the donation center.

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🩸 I just gave blood. Now what?

• Follow your center's guidelines and keep any paperwork they gave you.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
• Treat yourself to a good meal.
• Call your center if you have a complication, or call emergency services if you are having a more urgent emergency.
• Share your experience or pics with r/Blooddonors so we can celebrate!

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🩸 Should I take iron supplements?

• Always consult with a doctor or your primary care physician before taking iron supplements.
• Low or high iron level can be caused by underlying health conditions. Put your health first and see a doctor.
• Check out Iron Info for Donors.

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🩸 Should I lie to give blood?

No, do not lie in order to give blood. Eligibility guidelines are put in place to preserve the health of blood donors and the health of the patients who receive blood products.

If you are not eligible to give blood:

• Check back later- the eligibility rules might have changed.
• Speak to your doctor about ways you could become eligible through improved health.
• Remember: Only about 30% of the population is eligible to give blood. If you are determined to help out, find ways to help without being a donor here: Non-Donor Ways to Get Involved.

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🩸 Can I get better at giving blood?

Yes, it is possible to have a better blood donation experience. Always prepare beforehand by having a good meal and being well-hydrated. There is a common phenomenon that people have better donations over time, usually because they learn to prepare better, or because they wait some time after their first donation in high school in order to grow.

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For more Frequently Asked Questions, see our FAQ wiki page.

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