BOOSTING DONOR HEALTH | How Iron Speeds Post-Donation Recovery
A recent study suggests that iron supplementation after blood donation significantly improves recovery of iron stores and hemoglobin levels, reducing the risk of post-donation iron deficiency without added side effects. These findings may support the broader use of ferritin testing and post-donation iron supplementation among blood donors.
The FORTE trial investigated the effects of oral iron supplementation in blood donors with ferritin levels of 30 µg/L or lower. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo, 30 mg, or 60 mg of elemental iron daily or on alternate days for 56 days. Researchers measured hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and the incidence of iron deficiency over the treatment period, while also recording any gastrointestinal side effects and donor willingness to return.
All supplementation regimens outperformed placebo in replenishing iron stores and reducing the likelihood of post-donation iron deficiency after 56 days. The 60 mg daily regimen was most effective in improving both ferritin and Hb recovery. Notably, the incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort did not differ significantly between iron and placebo groups, and iron use did not deter donors from future donations. Most recovery of ferritin and Hb occurred within the first eight weeks.
These results strengthen earlier evidence that targeted iron supplementation following donation accelerates hematologic recovery compared to observation alone. They also highlight the potential value of measuring ferritin, rather than hemoglobin alone, in pre-donation screening to identify donors at risk of iron depletion.
By supporting faster post-donation recovery, routine ferritin testing combined with short-term iron supplementation could help blood services maintain donor health, improve long-term donor retention, and balance the safety of donation intervals with the need for sufficient blood supply. Further research may determine optimal dosing schedules and assess long-term outcomes across different donor populations.
Source: Hematology Advisor
