Health and Wellness
During the prescreening process of your donation appointment, a Solvita staff member will check your hemoglobin levels to make sure your hemoglobin is not low.
A low hemoglobin level could be caused by a diet low in iron-rich foods, blood loss, pregnancy, or another medical condition.
Iron is necessary in building the proteins of red blood cells and is required for producing energy from food. It is an important factor in every activity your body performs. Iron in the hemoglobin molecule also helps carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs for removal.
You can improve your iron and hemoglobin levels by including more high-iron foods in your diet and avoiding substances that reduce iron absorption.
High-Iron Foods
Nuts
Fruit
Vegetables
Meats
Other Foods: Beans, brown bread, egg yolks, and oatmeal.
Avoid these iron busters that can cause your hemoglobin levels to be low:
Caffeinated Beverages
Chocolate
High Fiber Foods
Some Medications like Antacids or Phosphate Salts
High Calcium Foods