A diet rich in iron is advised for all donors. A decrease in iron stores (ferritin) may occur in frequent donors. If you donate regularly, speak with your pharmacist or doctor about taking iron supplements to prevent low iron stores. Ask your doctor to check your iron stores (ferritin).
If you are taking
- A multivitamin with iron, you are eligible to donate
- An iron tablet to prevent low iron, you are eligible to donate
- An iron tablet to treat low iron stores (low ferritin), you can donate three months after you start taking the iron tablets and if your doctor advises you that your iron levels are normal
- An iron tablet to treat iron deficiency anemia (low hemoglobin and ferritin), you can donate six months after you start taking the iron tablets and if your doctor advises you that your iron levels are normal
