Why Is Iron Important for Donating Blood?
Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron helps the body make new red blood cells and can help replace those lost after blood donations.
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Hemoglobin, Low Iron, and Eligibility
Prior to donating blood, all donors will receive a free health screening. This screening includes testing hemoglobin levels.
Since iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, a low hemoglobin level can indicate low iron stores and anemia. If your hemoglobin is too low, we will ask that you wait to donate.
Normal Hemoglobin Ranges
Female Donors: 12 to 16 g/dL
Male Donors: 14 to 18 g/dL
What if My Hemoglobin Was Not in Range?What if My Hemoglobin Was Not in Range?
If you were not able to donate on your recent attempt because your hemoglobin was too low, you may be able to donate in the future. We recommend eating a well-balanced diet with foods that are rich in iron.
Hemoglobin Ranges for Whole Blood Donation:
Female Donors: 12.5 to 20.0 g/dL
Male Donors: 13.0 to 20.0 g/dL
We encourage you to come back and donate again. We will recheck your hemoglobin, and if it is high enough, you will be able to donate!
Prior to donating blood, all donors will receive a free health screening. This screening includes testing hemoglobin levels.
Since iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, a low hemoglobin level can indicate low iron stores and anemia. If your hemoglobin is too low, we will ask that you wait to donate.
Normal Hemoglobin Ranges
Female Donors: 12 to 16 g/dL
Male Donors: 14 to 18 g/dL
What if My Hemoglobin Was Not in Range?
If you were not able to donate on your recent attempt because your hemoglobin was too low, you may be able to donate in the future. We recommend eating a well-balanced diet with foods that are rich in iron.
Hemoglobin Ranges for Whole Blood Donation:
Female Donors: 12.5 to 20.0 g/dL
Male Donors: 13.0 to 20.0 g/dL
We encourage you to come back and donate again. We will recheck your hemoglobin, and if it is high enough, you will be able to donate!
Tips and Foods To Increase Iron Levels
By eating iron rich and taking multivitamins with irons, you can increase your iron and maintain healthy levels. We recommend always consulting your health care provider.
Eat Iron-Rich Foods
Take Multivitamins With Iron
Iron-Rich Foods
- Grains
- Meat
- Meat Subs.
- Fruit and Juice
- Vegetables
- Fast Food
Grains
| Food | Amount | Avg MG Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat Germ | 1/2 cup | 4 |
| English Muffin | 1 | 1.5 - 1.9 |
| Bran Muffin | 1 | 1.5 |
| Tortillas | 1 | 1 |
| Cooked Cereal | 1/2 cup | 0.7 |
| Bread (White or Whole Wheat) | 1 slice | 0.5 |
| Dry Cereal | 3/4 cup | Read label |
Meat
| Food | Amount | Avg MG Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Liver | 3 oz. | 8 - 9 |
| Organ Meats | 3 oz. | 7 |
| Liver Sausage | 3 oz. | 4 - 6 |
| Shellfish | 3 oz. | 4 - 5 |
| Red Meats | 3 oz. | 4 |
| Fish and Poultry | 3 oz. | 2 - 3 |
Meat Substitutes
| Food | Amount | Avg MG Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Seeds | 1 oz. | 3.2 |
| Tofu | 4 oz. | 2.3 |
Cooked Dry Peas (Beans, Lentils, Lima Beans) | 1/2 cup | 2 - 3 |
| Sunflower Seeds | 1 oz. | 2 |
| Nuts | 1/3 cup | 0.5 - 2.0 |
| Eggs | 1 | 1 |
| Peanut Butter | 1 tablespoon | 0.3 |
Fruit & Juices
| Food | Amount | Avg MG Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Prune Juice | 3/4 cup | 7.4 |
| Raisins, Dates, Prunes | 1/2 cup | 3 - 4 |
| Figs, Apricots | 1/2 cup | 3 - 4 |
| Watermelon | 6" x 1/2" slice | 3 |
| Tomato Juice | 3/4 cup | 1.6 |
| Strawberries | 1 cup | 1.5 |
| Apple Juice | 3/4 cup | 1.1 |
| Banana | 1 cup | 1 |
Vegetables
| Food | Amount | Avg MG Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Collards, Kale) | 1/2 cup | 3 |
| Raw Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Collards, Kale) | 1/2 cup | 2 |
| Jicama | 1/2 cup | 0.8 |
Fast Food
| Food | Amount | Avg MG Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza (Cheese or Pepperoni) | 1/2 of 10" | 4.5 - 5.4 |
| Beef Burrito | 1 | 4.6 |
| Beef Taco | 1 | 2.9 |
| Bean Burrito | 1 | 2.8 |
| Hamburger | 1 regular | 2.5 |
| Cheeseburger | 1 regular | 2.5 |
