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BloodBanker

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What should I eat and drink before donating blood?

Quick answerEat a full meal, drink extra water, and favor iron-rich foods in the days before. Avoid donating on an empty stomach or right after heavy exercise.

Before you go

Have a proper meal within a few hours, and drink an extra glass or two of water. Avoid very fatty foods right beforehand.

Iron-rich foods help

Lean red meat, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals support healthy iron. Pairing them with vitamin C helps absorption.

What to skip

Do not arrive hungry or dehydrated, and avoid heavy exercise just before donating.

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Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.

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Sources and review

The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.

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Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
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