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Background: Iron deficiency and its related anemia, which is the world’s most widespread nutritional deficiency, can be one of the possible consequences of regular blood donation. This research was carried out to compare iron stores in regular blood donors and first-time blood donors in Tehran Regional Blood Transfusion Center. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 2,149 male blood donors, who were divided into two groups of regular and first-time blood donors. Blood samples were analyzed for red blood cell parameters, serum iron and ferritin, and total iron binding capacity. Results: The results showed that iron depletion was more common in regular blood donors than in first-time donors. Eleven percent of regular blood donors and 0.8% of first-time blood donors had iron deficiency. Of regular donors, 4.2% suffered from iron deficiency and 2.5% suffered from iron depletion anemia while there was no case of iron deficiency or anemia in first-time donors. Difference between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.01). According to the results, 8.9% of regular donors donated more than 4 times during last two years suffered from iron deficiency. Conclusion: Regular blood donation seems to have an impact on the iron stores of blood donors. However, the prevalence of iron deficiency in Iranian blood donors is lower than donors in other countries. We recommend an annual investigation of iron stores be carried out for blood donors who have given blood more than twice a year.

Keywords: Iron deficiency anemia, Blood donors.

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