Iron levels/plasma question

dearprudence78

I donate plasma and was told I needed to work at elevating my iron levels, which I've been pretty successful at doing. I just read, however that having too high of levels will disallow me from donating. Anyone know how much is too much? Also, when I eat something high in iron, how long does my body take to "use" it up. Thanks in advance for any and all insight.

yarwell

you only lose iron by bleeding AIUI, which is why women have lower levels and are generally "allowed" to be a bit anaemic. The body doesn't "use" or have a disposal mechanism for iron.

If it's too high for plasma then a blood donation would fix it - they tend only to worry about low haemoglobin. Usually the web site of the relevant agency is helpful, for example http://www.blood.co.uk/video-audio-leaflets/information-leaflets/haemoglobin-and-iron/