What to eat before giving blood

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  • Kagami_Taiga
    Kagami_Taiga Posts: 124 Member
    Yeah, I think I need more red meat and spinach or something to boost my iron. I don't really eat that many foods with high iron content nowadays.

    Eating more iron rich foods prior to giving blood will not change your iron level overnight, it takes month to effect iron or any other micornutrients levels with food consumption or even supplements. However I would suggest to have orange joice or chocolate that you can drink/eat after giving blood.

    Just eat normally, or if this is a doctor appointed blood test, they will tell you if you can eat or not.

    Discovered something interesting, to me anyway. The protein bars I've been having for the last few months contain 59% RDA of Iron. Is the sugar in the chocolate good for something? or is it just the whole blood sugar thing.


    59% RDA of Iron is actually pretty good. What's the bar u use.
    Not sure about the sugar, but I generally try to minimize sugar intake, with the exception of 'sugar' from fruits.

    Oh bar, I thought you meant like a number I keep within or something, I'm clearly needing sleep, not iron.

    I buy Pure Protein Bars, they have about 20g protein each and round about 200 kcals. I eat them before doing some kind of exercise.
  • formerlynobel
    formerlynobel Posts: 96 Member
    I read somewhere that it takes 500-650 calories to re-create that pint of blood.....
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Sometimes my iron is below their requirement for donors, so I usually eat Cream of Wheat cereal 3 or 4 times in the week prior to donating. Works like a charm.

    As for foods, I eat normally, and make sure I've had plenty of water. I like donating after lunch - seems like they have an easier time finding the vein in one stick, and the pint fills in no time at all. :bigsmile: My body is much more generous when it's well fed & hydrated!
  • 041jackson
    041jackson Posts: 36 Member
    Personally, as a frequent donor (giving my 10th time tomorrow, and I'm only 21), eat. EAT. Do not even count your calories. Yes, you can do it on a normal 1200 calorie day. Do I recommend it? Absolutely not. Although you may be fine giving, you also may not be. This is your first time. I can tell you I burn a TON more calories during the day just from adrenaline, loss of blood (and your body countering that effect), and spiking and lowering your blood sugar, than on a normal day. Please, please, keep safety in mind and eat at least 2500 calories. You may feel fine tomorrow after giving blood (re: endorphins) but let me tell you, when you wake up the day after (and if you havent eaten properly) it is going to suck worse than a hangover.

    Also, water prep 3 days in advance. At least 3 L daily, and 4 or 5 the day of (mostly before - it helps your blood flow faster into the bag). Those 2500 calories can (and should be) healthy, but please don't risk it! Most people consume closer to 4000 to counteract what your body is going through the day of.
    Congratulations on your choice! Very proud :)
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    ^^ 1200 calories is not normal for me! :bigsmile: I aim for 1800+ on any given day, and I eat VERY well on donating days.

    But I agree, eat well when you donate blood, your body needs it.

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