Mixed opinions. For those who did that for prolonged time / over the years, how did it impacted you ? Did the health got worse ? (have no clue how is it possible to measure that, but still) I have done it for 5 or 7 times, for free , based on a good will, but then the conspiracy theories and lifestyle - kept me away for the past 5 years. None the less, would be glad to do it once more, thus, asking.
I haven't in awhile, but I used to on the 8 week schedule. I have a somewhat rare anomaly with my type that matched to a specific local patient so that was kind of cool. I never had an issue before, during, or after donating. Also at the time my wife was in a program at our local Blood Center as part of her Masters program so it was a good way to go out to lunch after with the wife.
I did it in college but never during the rowing season because it impacted my performance. https://runnersconnect.net/blood-donation-running-performance/ In fact, I would recommend anybody that plans to donate blood to first have blood chemistry work done by their doctor to ensure they're healthy to do such as in to make sure their Iron levels are normal. wrbtrader
At least at our Blood Center they do an Iron check as part of the workup before donating. I am on the low side, actually anemic, but I am ok to donate, and again have never ahd an issue. My wife used to be turned down about every other time because of her Iron levels.
I will add, not disagreeing with wrb, a check with a doctor is not a bad idea to start with either, and can be part of an annual physical.
Last time I gave blood the nurse hit a nerve with the needle….it hurt!! Arm was black and blue for months! I’m done.
If your arm was black and blue for MONTHS, then you need iron supplements, and need to eat more red meat.