Best Foods to prepare for blood donation?

I had the same problem when I started exercising regularly - go figure.

Now when I donate, I just make sure to eat some iron rich foods for 5-7 days prior to the donation. Cream of Wheat or other iron fortified cereal does the trick, and I make sure I eat it for breakfast several days a week leading up to my appointment. I have passed the iron test with flying colors ever since.

Another odd thing - once when donating in the winter months, I didn't pass the test. One of the other phlebotomists asked if my hands were cold - they were. So we warmed my other hand and tried again, and I passed. Maybe a circulation thing? Ha - I always make sure my hand is warm going in now, just in case!

Good on ya for donating! :drinker:

Edited to add: As far as eating beforehand - just eat a good breakfast & lunch and drink plenty of water. And enjoy a few extra cals after!

I drink blood before a blood donation, that way they're getting double nutrients.

Or i eat raw iron with chopsticks. If you don't want to do either and be a bad *kitten* mamma jamma, then go grab a nice lean cut of beef or lamb. I personally prefer Liver and Fava beans

Dark Chocolate (more iron per ounce than spinach or steak)

SOLD!

Downside: Skip red wine and black tea .. they both block the absorption of Iron into the blood.

I've been donating regularly for quite a few years. I'm one donation from the 6.5 gallon mark. Low iron levels have been a problem off and on for years. Keep in mind that "too low to donate blood" for a woman isn't necessarily too low for a woman. The reason the levels are set at what they are is because men may receive the donated blood. Be that as it may I take an iron supplement (because I have had actual anemia off and on) every day. The one that doesn't make me want to hurl after I take it is called Perfect Iron.

Good food sources are the usual suspects, animal derived foods like fish and chicken and beef. Clams and oysters and mussels are also good sources. Liver is a great source, but some people don't like it.

One last tip: use your food log to track iron intake. As long as you meet the goals there you may not need to worry about a supplement.

Make sure you have good Iron rich foods. Also do not do any working out for 24 hours afterwards. I went jogging after 16 hours last time I gave made it three miles got home and was light headed and ended up on my kitchen floor. I was normally doing 6-8 miles a day back then.

I’ve had this same challenge as well. I’ve been turned away for the last 5 years due to a minimal difference in The Red Cross iron requirements. However, when I discussed this with my primary care doctor, she advised that my iron levels were fine and that I did not need to take any supplements. However, I am always cold, and this just started in the last 5 years also. So, something is going on with my iron, I hope that eating a cleaner diet will help. The Red Cross recommended that I eat iron rich foods, and to take 1 TBSP of black molasses several days before donating again. I have not tried it, but I plan to try it soon. I want to contribute.