Eat iron-rich foodsred meat, such as beef, pork, and poultry.dark leafy greens, such as spinach and kale.dried fruit, like raisins and apricots.peas, beans, and other legumes.seafood.iron-fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals.seeds and nuts.organ meats.
Additional tips for the day of your donation: of water (or other nonalcoholic drink) before your appointment. Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers, fries or ice cream. Wear a shirt with sleeves that you can roll up above your elbows.
Zero in on prunes, figs, eggs, liver, tomato juice and other iron-rich foods. “Just iron alone won't work, make sure you include some vitamin C-rich foods too in your diet which help with the absorption of iron," Agrawal says.Jun 17, 2013
One of the most important things to do is to eat a full, healthy meal on the day of your donation, within two hours of your appointment. Eating healthy food doesn't just keep your body feeling its best post-donation. It also ensures you pass your health screening, which is always required before your donation.Jul 6, 2021
Some donors, such as young and frequent donors, may help increase or maintain their iron levels by taking an iron supplement with 18-38 mg of elemental iron or a multivitamin with 18 mg of iron for at least 60 days after donating whole blood or 120 days after a power red donation.
Foods high in iron include:meat, such as lamb, pork, chicken, and beef.beans, including soybeans.pumpkin and squash seeds.leafy greens, such as spinach.raisins and other dried fruit.tofu.eggs.seafood, such as clams, sardines, shrimp, and oysters.More items...•Jun 3, 2017
Donors should have a healthy meal and drink fluids within four hours before donating. It is best to avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages before donating.
Eat a variety of protein-packed nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts and peanuts. Peanut butter, for example, provides 8 grams of protein in a 2-tablespoon serving, while an ounce of whole nuts has about 7 grams.
about 16 ouncesDrink water: A good portion of the blood donated is made up of water, so be sure to drink water before and after donating. Most locations advise drinking about 16 ounces of water beforehand. This will help reduce fatigue and dizziness after donating by keeping your body hydrated and replenished.Jan 12, 2021
Eat – don't donate on an empty stomach. Eating before your donation will help to keep your blood sugar levels steady so that you don't feel lightheaded or dizzy. Drink – we give you 500ml of water immediately before your donation, but it's important that you are well hydrated in the days before your donation.