Iron Rich Food

To be eligible to donate blood, your hemoglobin (iron level) must be at least 12.5 on the day of your donation.  Because a person’s iron level fluctuates on a daily basis it is important to eat iron-rich or iron-fortified foods at least 2 weeks prior to your donation.  Our staff will check your hemoglobin on your donation day to ensure it meets the minimum requirement.

Iron Rich Foods:

• Liver
• Lean Meats: including beef, pork and lamb
• Seafood: oysters, clams, tuna, salmon and shrimp
• Beans: kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy and lentils
• Greens: Collard, kale, mustard, spinach and turnip
• Tofu
• Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, parsley, watercress and brussel sprouts
• Chicken and Turkey
• Blackstrap molasses
• Nuts
• Egg yolks
• Dried fruits: Raisins, prunes, dates and apricots

Iron-Fortified Foods

• Instant Oatmeal
• Ready to Eat Cereals: Total, Product 19, Raisin Bran
• Grits
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix
• Pasta
• Bread