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Consume iron-rich foods before donating blood

Community members have will have two opportunities to donate blood this month.

 

Blood can be donated Thursday, September 15, at Steps to HOPE, located at 60 Ward St. in Columbus, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Later this month another blood drive will be held Tuesday, September 27, at the Fellowship Hall of the Congregational Church, UCC, located at 210 Melrose Ave. in Tryon, from 11 .am. to 4 p.m.

 

Donated blood is a lifesaving gift most healthy people can give. But even healthy people are sometimes temporarily deferred from donating due to low hemoglobin, which is often caused by low blood iron levels. Members of the community, including those who have been temporarily deferred in the past due to low iron levels, are encouraged to attempt to donate blood. It is recommended to consume iron-rich foods before donating blood, as increased iron intake could decrease incidences of temporary deferral.

 

While a well-balanced diet is generally adequate to have normal iron levels, donors should eat extra iron-rich foods like fish, poultry, red meat, beans, peas, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, bread and dried fruit in the days prior to their donation appointments. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries, peppers, potatoes and cabbage, can increase iron absorption. Iron supplements should be taken only after consulting with a personal healthcare provider or pharmacist. Donors can learn more at redcrossblood.org/iron.

 

Submitted by Gail Barksdale