blueduckxx

does donating blood affect your performance on the bike, if so for how long before you feel normal again?

DiabloScott

I covered this a while back... interesting discussion and real facts (!) here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ng-Blood-Cells

1nterceptor

I usually feel normal after 2 or 3 days.
42 years old, 5'8" 180 lbs, around 35
lifetime whole blood donations. And so
what if my riding is a bit slow afterwards,
helping sick people is more important.

johnny99

Recovery time depends a lot on how hard you push yourself when riding.

msincredible

Hydrate yourself well and don't do heavy exercise right after the donation.

SClaraPokeman

I donate at Blood Centers of Pacific in Cupertino. The last few visits I've been in the mid twelves on the iron readings (embarrassingly I was turned away three months ago after a 12.4 reading). This perplexes me as while I eat my share of "bad" stuff, I eat plenty of foods that are high iron such as broccoli, oysters, roast beef, etc.

My question is whether sweating excessively maybe leaches iron from my blood and is responsible for low reading. Do people who indulge in endurance activities need supplements (and do supplements even work)?

msincredible

No, sweating shouldn't be leaching iron.

If you have an iron-rich diet but are anemic with no obvious explanation, you should consult with your doctor. There are various conditions that could cause it.

blueduckxx

females are more prone to anemia/iron problems so I usually make sureto take a supplement regardless. dont drink tea/coffee [& alcohol I think? could be wrong] with your meals as it can effect absorption of vitamins.

Red Rider

As an elite amateur athlete I eat clean, mostly. It's the 80/20 rule. Yet 3 wks. ago TBCOTP turned me away for low iron.

I'm too old for "that" reason. Heading back this week since next week is a "rest" week (technically in meeting for 5 days=no bike).

bikingshearer 

Yes. It's called "reverse blood doping."

Red Rider

Good one!

msincredible

It will depend on the specific vitamins. Caffeine can definitely affect iron absorption. Calcium-rich foods, especially dairy products, will also inhibit iron absorption if taken within ~2 hours of the iron. Make sure you get adequate vitamin C to help you absorb the iron.

Lije Baley

You lose red blood cells, and their oxygen carrying function with a donation. I don't think a day or two later you'd notice any impairment. Whole blood donations can only be done every eight weeks. A small loss of function once in two months seems a more than fair trade-off for all the fantastic good you can do for others with a donation.

Full disclosure: I'm a frequent plasma donor. I donate plasma every week. I retain my red cells and feel no negative effects the day after a donation. Of course, only males are now accepted for plasma donations.