Why is donating blood so important?

Why is donating blood so important?

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

Why can’t you donate blood if your iron is low?

If your hemoglobin is too low, we will ask that you wait to donate. Iron is an essential mineral that is a part of hemoglobin which helps maintain your strength and energy. Your body needs iron to make new blood cells, replacing the ones lost through blood donations.

Do they check your iron before you give blood?

The Red Cross does not measure your iron level before donating, but does check your hemoglobin level. Your hemoglobin level is checked using a fingerstick prior to donating. If your hemoglobin is low, you will be asked to wait to donate until your levels return to normal.

What happens when your iron level is low?

Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath.

How can I check my iron levels at home?

AnaemiaScreen™ is a home anaemia test kit for iron deficiency anaemia. It is a blood test for anaemia that detects if you have low iron in your blood. AnaemiaScreen™ measures ferritin, a protein involved in the storage of iron in your body, which is the most sensitive indicator of iron deficiency anaemia.

What breakfast cereal has the most iron?

Choosing Cereals High In Iron & Iron Fortified Cereals

• Quaker Quick Oats 19.8mg/100g.
• Wheat Biscuits 12mg/100g.
• Bran Flakes 8.8mg/100g.
• Muesli 8.8mg/100g.
• Special K 8mg/100g.
• Shredded Wholegrain Pillows 7.6gm/100g.
• Granola 3mg/100g.
• Millet 3mg/100g.

What snacks are high in iron?

Other sources of nonheme iron, with 0.7 milligrams or more, include:

• One-half cup of cooked split peas.
• 1 ounce of peanuts, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, roasted almonds, roasted cashews, or sunflower seeds.
• One-half cup of dried seedless raisins, peaches, or prunes.
• One medium stalk of broccoli.
• One cup of raw spinach.

What is the best cereal for iron?

Fortified Breakfast Cereals Can Be Packed With Iron (And be sure to opt for the box with the least amount of added sugar.) Per the USDA, raisin bran has 9.39 mg of iron per cup, and that makes it an excellent source. It is also an excellent source of fiber, a common characteristic of fortified cereals.

What are the top 10 iron rich foods?

The top 10 high-iron foods

• Fortified breakfast cereals.
• Cooked oysters.
• White beans.
• Dark chocolate.
• Organ meats.
• Soybeans.
• Lentils.
• Spinach.