Advice for Increasing Iron Levels

ya-what-now?

So I'm a blood donor, I'd like to do it as often as possible as I'm O Neg so I know that my blood is often in short supply. However, on my last two visits I was unable to donate as my iron levels were just below those required by the clinic to donate.

This is really frustrating because you can't just go back in a few weeks when you've had time to get your Iron levels back up, you have to wait three months. So I'm hoping to go and donate later this week, but fear that yet again my Iron levels will be too low. Now I've been taking an Iron supplement, but only since last week so I know that may still not have come into effect in time.

So would anyone have any suggestions about how to increase my iron levels in time to donate this week at some stage? Any foods/meals in particular?

EileenG

Red meat, green vegetables and vitamin C. Taking C with iron rich foods helps your body absorb them better. Seaweed is rich in Iron, particularly dulse, which is easy to get and to eat. Nuts are good too. And organ meat.

Mr Magnolia

Very commendable. Mind you don't end up constipating yourself, it can happen as a result of high iron intake.

ya-what-now?

Cheers for the replies!

Going to try and get some spinach into me this week, as although I do eat red meat, with trying to watch my weight I often substitute quorn for mince in spag bol / chilli con carne. Therefore, in reality I suppose my red meat intake is quite low as I prefer to cook oily fish/chicken.

Oh and no worries Mr Magnolia, I love eating dates so hopefully shouldn't have any problems on that front!!

El_Dangeroso

That is very noble of you, you have reminded me I need to give blood again soon.

It might also be helpful to avoid foods that inhibit iron absorption:

Red Wine, Coffee & Tea
Vegetables: Spinach, chard, beet greens, rhubarb and sweet potato
Whole grains and bran
Soy products

And increase your consumption of foods that promote iron absorption

Meat/fish/poultry
Fruits: Orange, Orange Juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit etc
Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomato, tomato juice, potato, green & red peppers
White wine

Khannie

A female friend of mine was turned away for the same reason before. The lady in the clinic said that it could be because it was during her period (and it was, though the clinic lady didn't know that). Are you female? If so, avoiding going in around your period is probably advisable.