Blood Donation - Iron

[Interstellar]

I completed C25K in August. Since then I've been consolidating with 3 runs a week. I run two 20 minute runs on weekdays and a longer run on the weekend. Post winter months i plan on undertaking the Bridge 2 10K.

Yesterday i was supposed to donate blood which we do regularly. However i was unable to as my iron reading was 110 and it needs to be 115 to donate. I was genuinely surprised and disappointed as i have never done as much consistent exercise as I'm doing now.

The nurse advised it could be because of the increase in activity that my iron levels have dropped. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Thank you

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Iron is lost in many ways, but sweating is the most likely one as you’ve just started running. There is a chance of breaking some blood cells too, but that seems less likely early on and on the mileage you’re doing.

runnersworld.co.uk/training...

[Hidden in reply to UnfitNoMore]

That is an interesting article on the impact of exercise on iron levels - good read!

[Interstellar Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for the link to the article, its very interesting and informative. Your right its more likely to be in sweat than broken blood cells at my pace!! Thanks.