Iron status in Canadian Blood Services donors /

"Iron is an essential nutrient, and iron balance is precarious for much of the world's population. In North America, iron deficiency is common in distinct population groups, such as women of child-bearing age. Transfusion therapy is a cornerstone of modern medical care. Canada's need for fresh blood components, including red blood cells, is met by approximately 600,000 volunteer donors. Canadian Blood Services (CBS) collects, processes, tests, and distributes blood components to all provinces and territories, except Quebec. There is increasing concern that blood donation results in iron deficiency particularly in frequent donors, and that this is under-recognized by both donors and their physicians. We performed a study of 550 donors who successfully donated and 50 donors deferred for low Hb to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency in CBS donors, as measured by serum ferritin levels.10 In addition, we evaluated donors' knowledge of the impact of blood donation on their iron needs, and discussions that they may have had with their family physician about iron and blood donation. After providing donors with their ferritin results, we contacted study participants again regarding their subsequent actions, including discussions with their physicians about iron supplementation."--Pages 1-2.