Iron stores in blood donors

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Abstract
A high frequency of donations by some blood donors prompted concern about Fe depletion. Female (516) and 505 male donors were examined by measurements of Hb, hematocrit, plasma Fe, total Fe-binding capacity, and ferritin values and detailed histories of Fe ingestion, pregnancy and menstrual status, and past blood donations. Hb, hematocrit and serum Fe studies, unlike ferritin values, were not sensitive indicators of body Fe depletion. Reduced Fe stores were found in 8% of male and 23% of female donors. Menstruation significantly lowered Fe stores in women. The total number of lifetime donations was not as predictive of decreased Fe stores as frequency of donations per year. Even causal Fe supplementation reduced the impact of donations on Fe stores. Administration of Fe to donors, especially menstruating women, should be studied by blood programs.