Iron stores in male blood donors evaluated by serum ferritin

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Abstract
Fe stores were evaluated by serum ferritin measurements in 1348 male blood donors. Blood donation was associated with a decrease in serum ferritin concentrations. First-time donors (n = 21) had a geometric mean serum ferritin concentration of 52 .mu.g per l, and multiple-time donors (n = 1327) of 36 .mu.g per l (P < 0.01). In the donating population, 6.0% had serum ferritin values less than 15 .mu.g per l (i.e., depleted Fe stores), 33.9% had values from 15 to 30 .mu.g per l (i.e., reduced Fe stores), 52.5% had values from 31 to 90 .mu.g per l, and 7.6% had values greater than 90 .mu.g per l (i.e., normal Fe stores). The frequency of donations per year was more predictive of decreased Fe stores than the number of lifetime donations. Serum ferritin showed a moderate fall up to the 4th donation (P < 0.001); thereafter serum ferritin levels showed only minor insignificant changes. An increase in donation frequency was accompanied by a significant decrease in serum ferritin: values less than 15 .mu.g per l were found in 1.3% of donors bled 2 times per year, in 6.0% bled 3 times per year, and in 7.9% bled 4 times per year. Regular monitoring of Fe stores by serum ferritin in blood donors seems justified in order to identify those with depleted Fe stores who will benefit from Fe supplementation.