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

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 (VO2max ) 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 VO2max 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 < .001). Although after 8 weeks no significant mean difference was detected, 7 women had not returned to baseline after 12 weeks. [Hb] did not return to initial values (13.4 +/- 0.7 g/dL) after 12 weeks (12.9 +/- 0.7 g/dL, p < .01). Ferritin decreased from baseline until week 6 (40.9 +/- 34.2 ng/mL vs. 12.1 +/- 6.9 ng/mL, p < .05) and was not restored after 12 weeks (18.4 +/- 12.7 ng/mL, p < .05), with 6 out of 10 women exhibiting iron deficiency (ferritin <15 ng/mL). VO2max was reduced by 213 +/- 47 mL/min (7.2 +/- 1.2%; p < .001) and remained below baseline after 12 weeks (3.2 +/- 1.4%, p < .01). Discussion: For most pre-menopausal women, 12 weeks were not sufficient to recover from BD and achieve baseline Hbmass and iron stores resulting in prolonged reduction of aerobic capacity. A subsequent BD might lead to a severe anemia.