Yes, people who regularly donate blood may develop anemia, the most common type being iron deficiency anemia.

Around 5 million people donate blood annually in the United States. Nearly 35% of regular donors develop iron deficiency.

One of the main causes of iron deficiency anemia is blood loss, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). When you donate blood, you’re effectively losing blood.

Iron plays a key role in maintaining adequate hemoglobin levels in your blood.

This is important because hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to your organs and tissues.

Anemia is when you have low hemoglobin levels in your red blood cells.

According to the National Institutes of Health, you must meet a minimum hemoglobin level before donating blood in the United States. This is:

  • Males: 13.0 g/dL
  • Females: 12.5 g/dL

Doctors diagnose anemia when your hemoglobin levels are below these numbers. This means you cannot donate blood if you have anemia.

Before donating blood, a healthcare professional will measure your hemoglobin levels.

If you don’t meet the minimum requirements, you will have to wait at least 30 days before being allowed to donate blood. During this time, you may be able to take measures to increase your levels to meet the minimum donation requirement.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

It’s possible to experience symptoms of anemia after donating blood, especially if you have low iron levels. These may include:

If you experience any of these symptoms after donating blood, speak with a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment could help prevent further complications.

Learn more about the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

Treatment for anemia will depend on the type and severity of your anemia. In most cases, donating blood leads to iron deficiency anemia.

The first-line treatment for iron deficiency anemia is taking iron supplements. A doctor may also recommend eating more foods high in iron, such as:

  • animal products, like meat, fish, liver, and turkey
  • plant-based foods, such as legumes, dark leafy greens, and some grains

According to the NHLBI, restoring iron levels usually takes 3 to 6 months.

It’s important not to donate blood if your iron and hemoglobin levels aren’t restored. Blood loss is the main cause of iron deficiency anemia, so it’s critical to minimize any risk of bleeding or losing blood.

Other treatments for more severe cases of anemia may include:

If you experience any symptoms of anemia after donating blood, such as dizziness or fatigue, speak with a doctor. They could provide a proper diagnosis of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.