Impact of Regular Whole-Blood Donation on Body Iron Stores

Abstract

The present study demonstrates iron depletion in regular voluntary blood donors. In 11.2% of the donors, iron deficiency erythropoiesis was noted. A ferritin screening after the first donation followed up at the tenth donation might help detect iron-deficient individuals. Iron supplementation for all regular blood donors and female donors in particular will help prevent the shrinking donor pool due to iron deficiency.