Iron
Does donating blood lower my iron levels?
Blood donation can deplete iron stores. Even an iron rich diet may not be enough to maintain iron stores in donors. This is why we recommend that all donors consider iron level (ferritin) testing with their health care practitioner as well as iron supplementation if low. Over time, iron deficiency leads to anemia (low hemoglobin).
Canadian Blood Services’ donor eligibility criteria — including the required intervals between donations — help to protect donors from developing anemia due to blood donation, as do donor testing procedures at appointments. We also encourage donors to eat iron-rich foods, get their iron levels tested and to take iron supplements.
How are iron levels in my blood measured?
One of the most reliable ways of finding low iron stores is to test the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. When the level of ferritin is low, it means iron stores are low. This is a good predictor of who may develop anemia (low hemoglobin) in the near future.
We know that returning female donors are at the highest risk of developing iron deficiency. This why we currently test ferritin at every 10th donation for donors registered as female. Over time, we want to expand ferritin testing.
We ask donors with low ferritin results, implying low iron levels, to pause whole blood donation for six months to allow iron stores to replenish. We also encourage them to follow up with their healthcare professional.
How do you test for anemia (low hemoglobin)?
Canadian Blood Services measures donor hemoglobin with a simple fingerstick test. A minimum hemoglobin level is required at each donation. That level is slightly higher than what a healthcare provider may use to diagnose anemia (the medical term for low hemoglobin). This is to protect the donor’s health.
In regular blood donors, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. However, anemia has many other serious causes. This is why donors are asked to follow-up with their healthcare practitioner if they are found to not meet the hemoglobin cut off for blood donation.
It is possible to have normal hemoglobin despite low iron stores. This is why we have also begun testing some donations for ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. If ferritin is low, it reliably indicates low iron stores and is a good predictor of who may develop anemia in the near future.
What iron levels are acceptable to donate blood?
Canadian Blood Services measures levels of the iron-containing molecule hemoglobin at each appointment with a fingerstick test.
To be eligible to donate whole blood or platelets, donors registered as male must have a hemoglobin level of at least 130 g/L and donors registered as female must have a hemoglobin level of at least 125 g/L. For plasma donation, the donor’s hemoglobin level must be at least 125 g/L, regardless of gender.
These minimum hemoglobin levels are slightly higher than what a healthcare provider may use to diagnose anemia (the medical term for low hemoglobin).
Why does Canadian Blood Services measure my iron levels?
Red blood cells contain iron, so with blood donation, some iron is lost. For those who already have either low iron stores or low hemoglobin (anemia), donation may make their condition worse. Our donor eligibility criteria and testing procedures are in place to support the health of donors as well as patients.
Related FAQs
Can I donate blood if I’m taking iron supplements?
Iron supplements are not a barrier to donation if taken for prevention and not to treat low iron. If you donate blood regularly, you may take iron supplements in addition to the iron in your regular diet to replenish your iron stores and prevent anemia (low hemoglobin).
If your hemoglobin level as measured by our fingerstick test meets the required cut-off, you will be able to donate regardless of whether you take iron supplements (if you also meet all other eligibility criteria).
Can I donate blood if I have an iron deficiency?
Generally, no. If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency (low iron stores, but no anemia), we ask you wait 3 months from the start of iron supplementation before returning to donate.
If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (anemia caused by a lack of iron), we ask you wait 6 months from the start of iron supplementation before returning to donate.
Whether you have iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, make sure your iron levels are back to normal before coming in to donate.
How can I increase my iron levels?
Donors can increase their iron levels in a few ways:
- By consuming iron-rich foods
- By taking iron supplements 2 hours before or after consuming meals to ensure proper absorption (ideally according to the advice of your healthcare professional)
People vary in terms of how much iron they need to consume to maintain healthy iron levels. Iron needs are higher:
- During puberty
- For those who menstruate
- During pregnancy
- While lactating (breast/chestfeeding)
- For blood donors
What are some examples of iron-rich foods?
Iron-rich foods may contain either heme iron or non-heme iron.
Heme iron, which is from animal sources, is more easily absorbed by the body. It is found in beef, lamb, pork, liver, veal, chicken, turkey (the dark meat has more iron), fish and seafood.
Non-heme iron, which is from plant sources, is less easily absorbed by the body. It is found in breakfast cereals (fortified with iron), breads and pasta (whole grain and enriched), lentils, dried peas and beans, tofu, seeds and nuts (pumpkin, sesame or peanut), dried fruit (raisins or apricots), eggs and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Can I donate blood if I have high iron?
High iron levels are not a barrier to donation on their own. People with hemochromatosis, an inherited condition that leads to too much iron in the body, are eligible to donate if they meet all other eligibility criteria.