Iron Supplement Programme

Iron is an essential component for the production of hemoglobin. Iron deficiency could lead to a gradual drop of haemoglobin level and finally result in anaemia. Haemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to body cells.  If anaemia occurs, the body does not get enough oxygen- rich blood. As a result, the anaemic patient may look pale and develop fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, palpation etc.

To ensure the safety of blood donors and that the collected blood has sufficient hemoglobin for transfusion therapy, blood donors shall undergo a hemoglobin test to ensure they have adequate hemoglobin levels before each donation.

With each whole blood donation, a portion of your red blood cells is lost. Replenishment of iron is essential for human body to produce new red blood cells after each donation. Your iron level may drop or even become inadequate after several donation if dietary compensation is not adequate. This condition is especially common in women of reproductive age with heavy menstrual periods, persons on restrictive diets such as vegetarian and frequent blood donors. Hence, we encourage blood donors to maintain a healthy balanced diet with iron-rich food to ensure adequate iron intake and increase iron stores in the body so as to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

To enhance body iron restoration after blood donation, our nurses will provide free oral iron supplement to suitable donors, to enhance their daily dietary intake of iron. Some mild and limiting side effects, for example, darkening stool, stomach upset or constipation, might be possible.

To enhance oral iron supplement efficacy, please follow the advice below:

• Take one tablet every other day. Empty stomach is better for iron absorption, while iron supplement may also be taken with food or after meal to reduce side effect likes stomach upset.
• Avoid tea, milk, coffee, antacids and calcium supplements two hours before and after taking iron supplement, those foods would impair iron absorption.
• Take Vitamin C rich food together with iron supplement, such as guava, kiwi fruit, orange, tomato etc. to enhance iron absorption.
• Increasing fiber and fluid intake can relieve constipation. Extend the dosing interval may also work, aiming to complete the entire course of iron supplementation. 
• If any intolerable side effect is encountered, you could choose to stop the iron supplement.
• Please feel free to contact our nurses for any enquiries.
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This new function of the HK Blood offers donor with relevant information of iron supplementation.

You can also set reminders to take iron supplements as needed. Click here to learn more.