Iron deficiency among frequent blood donors (RISE study)

Researchers studied 2,425 blood donors in the United States, including people who donated often and people donating for the first time. They measured hemoglobin, the blood protein that carries oxygen, and ferritin, a measure of the body’s stored iron. Frequent donors were much more likely to have low iron stores than first-time donors. The risk was highest among women and people who donated most often. Some donors also had anemia, meaning too little oxygen-carrying blood protein.

What this means for you: Frequent blood donation can reduce the body’s iron stores, even when a person does not feel ill. If you donate often, ask a health professional whether you need longer gaps between donations or an iron check, and do not take iron supplements without advice.