Low Iron Levels
One of the most common reasons people are turned down from donating, which is called being deferred, is because of low-iron levels in the blood, which is known as anemia. This is especially true for women.
What You Can Do
- Increase your intake of iron-rich foods, such as meat, green vegetables, seafood and others.
- Drink orange juice or eat foods high in Vitamin C when eating iron-rich foods. Studies show this increases your body's ability to absorb iron.
- Discuss taking an iron supplement with your health care provider.
- Consider limiting your intake of tea and coffee before giving blood, as some studies indicate they may block the body's ability to absorb dietary iron.
- Wait a week or two before trying to give blood again. Many people who eat more foods high in iron can increase their levels enough to be able to donate within a week or two of being deferred.
Foods High in Iron
- Red meat
- Dark, leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards)
- Seafood (shrimp, oysters, clams, scallops, sardines)
- Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
- Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)
- Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans
- Eggs
- Molasses