Eating for Good Blood: How to Increase Your Iron Levels
Eating for Good Blood: How to Increase Your Iron Levels
At any given moment, patients across University of Utah Health and Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah rely on something that can’t be manufactured in a lab: donated blood. Whether it’s emergency trauma care, cancer treatment, or complex surgery, a steady blood supply is essential to lifesaving care.
But blood can’t be made in a lab.
“A strong blood supply depends on people being ready and able to donate,” says Deborah Jordan, community relations supervisor for ARUP Blood Services, the sole blood provider for U of U Health. “Taking care of your health is an important part of being able to give.”
One important way to prepare for donation is by maintaining healthy iron levels.
Why Iron Matters for Blood Donation
Iron plays a key role in producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When you donate blood, your body uses stored iron to replace what’s lost. If your levels are too low, you may not be eligible to donate until they improve.
The good news: building and maintaining healthy iron levels can often be supported through diet.
Iron-Rich Foods to Support Donation
Adding iron-rich foods to your routine can help support blood production and overall wellness.
Consider including:
- Breads and grains: Oatmeal, cream of wheat, bagels, pasta
- Nuts: Almonds, cashews, walnuts
- Vegetables: Spinach, beans, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes
- Fruits: Dried apricots, raisins, prunes, bananas, cantaloupe
- Proteins: Eggs, lean beef and pork, chicken, turkey
Why Your Blood Donation Matters
Donating blood is one of the most direct ways to support patients in your community.
Here’s how your donation helps:
- Give back locally: Blood donations through ARUP stay in Utah.
- Help save lives: One pint of blood can save up to three lives.
- Support cancer care: Patients with cancer use nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply.
- Protect the most vulnerable: Newborns, trauma patients, and those undergoing major surgeries often depend on blood transfusions.
Summer Is a Critical Time for Blood Donations
Maintaining a strong blood supply takes ongoing support from healthy donors. Because blood has a limited shelf life, regular donations are essential to making sure it’s available when patients need it most.
Summer is one of the most challenging times to maintain blood supply. To encourage donations, ARUP Blood Services regularly offers special promotions and donor giveaways. Depending on the season, donors may have the chance to win prizes such as travel gift cards, tickets to local events, or unique community experiences.
Visit the ARUP Blood Services promotions page to see current donor offers and upcoming opportunities.
Ready to Donate?
A strong blood supply starts with healthy, prepared donors. By focusing on iron-rich nutrition and making time to donate, you can play a vital role in lifesaving care across Utah.
For questions about donor eligibility or preparing to donate, contact ARUP Blood Services at 801-584-5272 or visit utahblood.org.