taking extra iron in the form of vitamins or supplements.
Too much iron can be harmful to your health. Your doctor can point you in the right direction of how much iron you need based on your age, gender, and how often you donate blood.
Thinking about making a blood donation, but don’t know where to begin? We’ve got covered with a few things you can do before your appointment to ensure you receive the best outcome possible.
Here are some tips on how to prepare:
- Maintain healthy iron levels by eating iron-rich foods [PDF] such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals, and raisins.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption before your donation.
- Eat normally and drink extra fluids before and after your donation.
- If you are donating platelets, remember that you cannot take aspirin for 2 days prior to the donation.
- Bring your driver’s license or another form of photo ID.
To find a blood drive location near you, visit American Red Cross.
For more information on donating blood, visit Cedars-Sinai Blood Donor Services.