Because it has the potential to save numerous lives, donating blood is a virtuous behavior. However, you should educate yourself on the essentials, who is eligible to donate, the main eligibility requirements, and the safety measures to take before and after donating before visiting the donation center. In addition, hemoglobin levels are a significant factor in determining eligibility, so if you plan to donate frequently, you may need to raise them through a healthy diet. Let's take a moment on World Blood Donation Day, which is celebrated annually on June 14, to learn how you can support this life-saving cause safely and successfully.

In a detailed guide shared with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Shruti Kamdi, Consultant Lab Medicine Blood Transfusion at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital in Mumbai, covers everything important, including dietary advice for boosting hemoglobin levels and safety measures for blood donation.

General requirements for blood donation

• Age range: 18 to 60 years (up to 65 years if regular donations are made)
• Weight: 45 kg or above
• hemoglobin of at least 12.5 grams per deciliter
• For males, blood donations must have occurred more than three months ago, and for females, more than four months ago.
• What blood control center will evaluate your weight, haemoglobin, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and medical history?
• Precautions to Take Before Donating
• Should have had something to eat four hours before to donating.
• Within the 24 hours prior to donation, she should have had at least six hours of good sleep.
• Must not have had tattoos or body piercings in the last 12 months.
• Avoid wearing garments with tight upper arm sleeves.
• Prior to donation, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Care after donation

In the next four hours, consume more fluids by mouth than usual, such as water, fruit juices, and other beverages.

• Refrain from smoking for 30 minutes following your donation.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol for the next 24 hours.
• Refrain from engaging in any physically demanding tasks that day, such as jogging or heavy weightlifting in a gymnasium.
• Raise the arm and apply pressure to the phlebotomy site if there is bleeding.
• Take off the bandage five to six hours following the donation.
• If you feel dizzy, either sit with your head between your knees or lie down.
• If the symptoms continue, seek assistance or go back to the blood center and see the doctor.

Nutritional advice for raising hemoglobin levels

Since keeping a healthy hemoglobin level is essential for blood donation, it's critical to monitor your levels. If you are attempting to address a deficiency, get a blood test every few months to check your hemoglobin, serum ferritin, B12, and folate. The following foods are available:

1. Foods High in Iron

Include both heme and non-heme iron sources in your diet since iron is used to make haemoglobin:

• Heme iron (absorbed more effectively):
  
  
  • liver, red meat (lean cuts)
  • Turkey, chicken, and fish
• Non-heme iron:
  
  
  • Beetroot, kale, spinach
  • Tofu, beans, lentils
  • Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds
  • Whole grains, such as oats and quinoa.

2. Combine Vitamin C with Iron

Vitamin C improves the absorption of non-heme iron.

• Citrus fruits include oranges and lemons.
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Amla, or Indian gooseberry.

Tip: Lemon juice should be added to lentil or spinach dishes. 

3. Add Vitamin B12 and Folate

They are essential for the production of red blood cells.

• Sources of Folate:
  
  
  • Fortified cereals, papaya, broccoli, avocado, dark leafy greens
• Socurces of Vitamin B12 :
  
  
  • Fortified cereals, fish, meat, milk, and eggs

4. Think about Supplements (if Necessary)

• Iron supplements: Only following a doctor's advice. Excessive use might result in liver problems or constipation.
• Folic acid and B12: They may be prescribed if you are deficient.
• Vitamin C supplement: May improve iron absorption.

5.  Steer clear of iron blockers during mealtimes

Restrict these to iron-rich foods for one to two hours:

• Coffee and tea
• Foods or supplements high in calcium (like milk and yogurt)
• Antacids

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