Int J Vitam Nutr Res
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Int J Vitam Nutr Res · May 2006
The effect of repeated blood donations on the iron status of Iranian blood donors attending the Iranian blood transfusion organization.
Blood donation leads to substantial iron loss, as about 0.5 mg iron is lost per each milliliter of blood donated. If not compensated for efficiently, the iron loss may eventually lead to anemia, though non-anemic iron deficiency per se may be problematic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of blood donation, and its frequency over a year's time, on iron status of Iranian male blood donors attended blood transfusion stations of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO). ⋯ Though repeated blood donations might diminish iron status, it could be safe to donate 2-3 U/year without an appreciable incidence of iron deficiency, provided that the pre-donation Hb and ferritin values are >/= 14.7 g/dL and 58.9 mug/L, respectively. The male volunteers with Hb >/= 14.2 g/dL and serum ferritin >/= 57.2 mug/L could donate 1-2 U/year and those with Hb >/= 13.1 g/dL and serum ferritin >/= 35.3 mug/L could donate just once a year. Volunteers who undergo (repeated) blood donation should receive special nutritional care, especially in terms of iron and energy.