Donating plasma is an easy way to make a positive impact and help people in need—it only takes about an hour, but it can help save lives. Patients with conditions like immune disorders, burns or clotting issues rely on plasma for essential treatments.
If you’re getting ready to donate, eating the right foods beforehand can make a big difference. A little prep goes a long way to ensure you feel great during your donation and help collect the best-quality plasma.
Why Nutrition Matters Before Plasma Donation
What you eat before donating plasma is key to both your well-being and the quality of your donation. Proper nutrition helps maintain your energy, reduces the risk of dizziness or fatigue and supports your body’s recovery, all while improving the plasma you provide. Here’s how:
Nutrient Levels in Plasma:
The plasma collected during donation contains proteins, minerals and other components essential for medical treatments. For example, the donor’s protein intake directly influences proteins like albumin and immunoglobulins. Ensuring a diet rich in protein helps maintain these necessary plasma components.
Hydration and Plasma Quality:
Plasma is about 90% water; proper hydration ensures plasma has the correct consistency and volume. Dehydration can lead to lower plasma volume and a more challenging donation process.
Iron Levels and Plasma Donation:
While iron is mainly associated with red blood cells, maintaining healthy iron levels helps keep donors in good overall health and ready to give. This supports a smoother donation process and ensures the plasma collected comes from a well-prepared, healthy donor.
Food To Eat Before Donating Plasma: Nutrients You Need
When thinking about what to eat before a plasma donation, focus on meals rich in iron and protein at least two to three days in advance. This helps maintain healthy hemoglobin levels and ensures your plasma contains enough proteins.
Include these key nutrients in your diet before donating plasma:
Iron
Iron is crucial for maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels, which are checked before donation to ensure eligibility. Low iron levels can not only disqualify you from donating but also leave you feeling fatigued afterward. Including iron-rich foods in your diet helps prevent these issues.
Great examples include:
- Lean meats like chicken and turkey
- Leafy greens such as spinach and kale
- Beans and lentils and fortified cereals.
Eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges and strawberries, alongside iron-rich options can improve your body’s ability to absorb iron.
Protein Intake
Consuming protein-rich foods before donating helps maintain your plasma protein levels, supporting both the donation process and your recovery. Good sources of protein include:
- Poultry
- Fish
- Tofu
- Eggs
- Legumes like chickpeas and black beans
Hydration
Staying hydrated is one of the most important steps in preparing for plasma donation. As previously mentioned, plasma is mainly composed of water, so being well-hydrated helps maintain plasma volume and makes the donation process smoother.
Aim to drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before your appointment. Other hydrating options include herbal teas, clear broths and electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can lead to spikes and crashes in energy levels.
Foods and Beverages To Avoid
While eating before donating is important, certain foods and drinks can negatively affect your plasma quality or make the donation process more difficult.
Fatty Foods
Foods high in fat can cause lipemia, a condition where excess fat particles cloud the plasma, making it less useful for medical purposes. Avoid eating fried foods, fast food, heavy creams and buttery dishes the day before and on the day of your donation.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your body, making it more difficult for your veins to provide the necessary plasma and increasing the risk of dizziness or fatigue during the process.
It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before donating. Similarly, limit caffeine intake from sources like coffee, tea or energy drinks and replace them with water or other hydrating beverages.
Timing Your Meals Before Donation
When preparing for plasma donation, timing your meals is just as important as what you eat. Eating too close to your appointment might leave you feeling uncomfortable, while skipping meals can lead to low energy levels and dizziness during or after donation.
Plan to have a balanced meal 2 to 3 hours before your donation. This meal should include a mix of proteins, complex carbohydrates and vegetables to provide sustained energy. If your appointment is early in the morning or you’re pressed for time, a bowl of oatmeal with a handful of nuts and fresh fruit can be a great option.
Make a Positive Impact and Donate Plasma Today
If you’re considering donating, keep these tips in mind to make the experience safe and positive for both you and the recipients of your plasma. By focusing on the best foods to eat before donating plasma and staying well-hydrated, you can feel your best while making a difference in someone’s life.
For those near Glassboro, ABO Plasma makes it easy to give back. First-time donors and returning donors needing another physical examination can schedule an appointment online. Meanwhile, repeat donors who do not need a physical exam can stop by during operating hours. View our donor checklist for more information, or call 1-856-442-9100.