Maintenance of Hemoglobin Level

Hemoglobin is a protein found in your red blood cells. It gives the blood its red color and is responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues throughout your body. The Medical Laboratory Technicians checks your hemoglobin level before each blood donation to protect Donor health.

Hemoglobin values in healthy people usually fall within the following ranges:

Men	Women
13–16 g/dl	11–14 g/dl

]It is normal for hemoglobin level to fluctuate. There are some things one can do to boost the hemoglobin level
]Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet containing foods high in vitamin C and rich in iron

]If one were to be Deffered due to low hemoglobin levels, there may be steps one should take before they try to donate again. One should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet containing foods high in vitamin C and rich in iron
]If the hemoglobin level was below normal levels, or if have been Deferred on several occasions, we recommend that they discuss with your health-care provider
]Donating blood removes iron from the body. Body needs iron to make new red blood cells. Low levels of iron can cause anemia or make it worse
]All blood Donors should learn more about iron and hemoglobin
]Everyone should eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet
]All blood Donors should add foods rich in iron and high in vitamin C to their diet

The amount and type of iron in the diet is important. Some iron-rich foods are

Fruits	Vegetables	Beans & Other Foods
Strawberries	Spinach	Tofu
Watermelon	Sweet potatoes	Beans (kidney, garbanzo, or white, canned)
Raisins	Peas	Tomato products (e.g., paste)
Dates	Broccoli	Dried peas
Figs	String beans	Dried beans
Prunes	Beet greens	Lentils
Prune juice	Dandelion greens	Instant breakfast
Dried apricots	Collards	Corn syrup
Dried peaches	Kale	Maple syrup
	Chard	Molasses

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