This is a write up on Low Iron. This is of concern to everyone who donate blood to lower hematocrit, RBC or are on TRT and do frequent blood donations. I recently got labs with low iron.

After 3 doctors they figured out that my MCH, mchc, iron were all low because of frequent blood donations. ( frequently mean donating blood more than 3units a year)

I learned that every time you donate a pint of blood you loose about 250mg of iron, about 450mg for Double red (which I do).

It takes your body 3 months to recover that iron because your body only absorbs a small amount daily. You can't take to much because of the effects like constipation, etc.

It's recomend to take about 20mg-45mg per day. 3 months on 3off ( my opinion) your body limits your daily absortion.

They are many types of ferrous (iron) like sulphate, gluconate, furnarate, cabony. I will be taking sulfate ferrous sulfate for 325mg for 30days in the am (as per my doctor instructions) until I recover.

Fyi control labs orange Traid iron content is straight bull. If it contains the amount stated I would not have low iron ( my doctors exact words) so I will be trashing these vitamins. And looking for a substitute.

Symptoms of low iron. Anemia, tieredness, irritability, low or reduced endurance, difficulty concentrating, problem breathing or heavy breathing.

Be careful when donating blood to lower RBC, or hematocrit. Also keep your eyes on your iron if you donate more then 3 pints of blood a year. Stay safe brothers

http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/iron-and-blood-donation/i...