Yes, anemia can occur in persons who consistently donate blood; iron deficiency anemia is the most common type. Approximately 35% of regular donors in the US experience iron deficiency. Each year, almost 5 million people donate blood.
If you have anemia, can you still donate blood?
Before giving blood in the US, you must have a minimum hemoglobin level, which is as follows, per the National Institutes of Health:
13.0 g/dL in males
12.5 g/dL in females
When your hemoglobin levels fall below these thresholds, doctors diagnose anemia, which means you cannot donate blood if you have the condition. A medical professional will measure your hemoglobin levels prior to blood donation; if you don’t meet the minimum requirements, you will have to wait at least 30 days before you can donate blood, during which you may be able to take steps to raise your levels in order to meet the minimum donation requirement.
How is anemia brought on by blood donation?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)Trusted Source: Blood loss is one of the primary causes of iron deficiency anemia. You are essentially losing blood when you donate.
Having enough hemoglobin in your blood is mostly dependent on iron.
This is significant because red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which aids in the transportation of oxygen from your lungs to your organs and tissues.
Low hemoglobin levels in your red blood cells are known as anemia.
How might anemia brought on by blood donation be treated?
The kind and severity of your anemia will determine how you are treated. Iron deficiency anemia usually results from blood donation.
The initial course of treatmentTaking iron supplements is a reliable treatment for iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, a physician could advise consuming additional iron-rich foods, like:
Plant-based meals include legumes, dark leafy greens, and some grains; animal items including meat, fish, liver, and turkey
The NHLBITrusted Source states that it typically takes three to six months to restore iron levels.
Donating blood is not advised if your hemoglobin and iron levels have not returned to normal. Iron deficiency anemia is mostly caused by blood loss, hence reducing the chance of bleeding or blood loss is essential.
For more severe cases of anemia, additional therapies could involve:
Blood transfusion
intravenous (IV) iron infusion drugs
supplements
Consult a physician if you suffer from any anemia symptoms following blood donation, such as weariness or lightheadedness. They might correctly diagnose your problems and create a suitable treatment strategy.
What signs of anemia are present?
After giving blood, anemia symptoms could appear, particularly if your iron levels are low. Among them could be Trusted Source:
weariness
light skin
cold hands and feet
dizziness
Consult a physician if you suffer from any of these symptoms following blood donation. Treatment and diagnosis at an early stage may help avoid more problems.
Find out more about iron deficiency anemia symptoms.
The Greatest Foods to Consume Prior to Giving Blood
Giving blood is a reasonably safe way to support those suffering from life-threatening illnesses. However, there are certain negative effects of blood donation, such as anemia or exhaustion. You can lower your chance of experiencing adverse effects by eating and drinking healthily both before and after donating.
Continue reading to find out what to eat and drink prior to giving blood, as well as advice on what to do once you’ve given.
After donating blood, what to eat and drink
Giving blood usually has no negative effects on the donor. You will be required to wait in the refreshments area for ten to fifteen minutes after giving blood in order to ensure your well-being.
You can resume your regular activities after consuming a food and a beverage. For the remainder of the day, the Red Cross advises against strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
You might wish to discuss iron supplements with your doctor if you donate blood frequently. After donating blood, it may take months for your iron levels to stabilize. This recuperation time can be considerably shortened by taking iron supplements, according to a 2015 study (Trusted Source).