Abstract
Regular blood donation is essential for maintaining adequate blood supplies but may predispose donors to iron depletion and anemia if not properly monitored. Repeated blood loss leads to progressive iron deficiency, which can adversely affect hematological parameters and compromise donor health, particularly in settings with limited nutritional support. This study evaluated and compared the iron profile and complete blood count, including red cell indices, of regular blood donors and non-donors at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Owerri. It also examined the effects of gender and donation frequency on these parameters. A crosssectional comparative study was conducted involving 300 participants, comprising 200 regular blood donors and 100 non-donors. Serum ferritin, serum iron, Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, and complete blood count parameters (RBC count, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) were analyzed. Donors were further stratified by gender and annual donation frequency. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Regular donors exhibited significantly lower serum ferritin (45.7 ng/mL ± 12.3 ng/mL) and transferrin saturation (15.0% ± 4.5%) compared to non-donors (89.6 ng/mL ± 14.1 ng/mL and 22.5% ± 5.2%, respectively; p<0.001). Hemoglobin concentration and red cell indices (MCV, MCH, and MCHC) were also significantly reduced among donors. Female donors showed more pronounced reductions than males. Additionally, donors who donated four or more times per year had significantly lower iron stores and red cell indices compared to those donating two to three times annually. Frequent blood donation is associated with iron deficiency and early-stage anemia, particularly among female donors and high-frequency donors. Incorporating routine iron status assessment and individualized donation intervals is essential for protecting donor health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of blood transfusion services.
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