Impact of a single blood donation on hemoglobin mass, iron stores, and maximum oxygen uptake in pre‐menopausal women—A pilot study

• Published in: Transfusion (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2024-08, Vol.64 (8), p.1481-1491
• Main Authors: Wachsmuth, Nadine B., Haupt, Sandra, Bauer, Philipp, Schierbauer, Janis R., Treff, Gunnar, Steinacker, Jürgen M., Rilstone, Sian, Schmidt, Walter F. J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aerobic capacity; Anemia; anemia; iron deficiency; Blood; Blood & organ donations; Blood Donation; Blood Donors; blood volume; CO‐rebreathing; Deficiency diseases; Female; Ferritin; Ferritins - blood; Hemoglobin; Hemoglobins - analysis; Hemoglobins - metabolism; Humans; Iron; Iron - blood; Iron - metabolism; Iron deficiency; Menopause; Nutrient deficiency; Oxygen - blood; Oxygen - metabolism; Oxygen Consumption; Oxygen uptake; Pilot Projects; Premenopause - blood; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0041-1132; 1537-2995; 1537-2995
• DOI: 10.1111/trf.17917

Background During whole blood donation (BD), 500 mL of blood is drawn. The time interval between two BDs is at least 8–12 weeks. This period might be insufficient for restoring hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron especially in women, who generally have lower Hbmass and iron availability. Since both variables influence physical performance, this pilot study aimed to monitor Hbmass, iron status, and maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) recovery in women after a single BD. Study Design and Methods In 10 women (24.7 ± 1.7 years), Hbmass, hemoglobin concentration [Hb], iron status, and V̇O2max were assessed before and up to 12 weeks after a single BD. Results BD reduced Hbmass from 562 ± 70 g to 499 ± 64 g (p