Benefits of blood donation: Side Effects, Advantages, and More

Introduction

Every two seconds, someone in the world needs blood. A road accident victim, a mother in labour, a child with leukaemia — for them, donated blood isn’t just helpful. It’s life-saving.

As of 2024, India needs around 15 million units of blood annually, but only about 12 million units are collected, leaving a shortfall of nearly 3 million units.
According to the WHO 2025 projections, less than 1% of eligible Indians donate blood regularly, despite the growing need.

While donating blood is a deeply selfless act, here’s something most people don’t know: it’s also surprisingly good for the donor.

What are the health benefits of Blood Donation?

Your selfless act of donating blood can have a positive impact on your health. The many benefits of blood donation on your health include:

1. Improving and lowering the risk of heart diseases

Some studies indicate that regular blood donation may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A large study in the Netherlands found that women who donated blood regularly for over 10 years had a lower risk of heart disease compared to those who donated less often. However, this protective effect was not seen in men. Researchers also made sure this wasn’t just because healthier people are more likely to donate blood.

2. Reducing blood pressure

Blood donation may help lower blood pressure in some individuals, especially those with borderline or mild hypertension. When you donate blood, the temporary reduction in blood volume may lead to a short-term decrease in circulating fluid, which could help reduce blood pressure. Some studies have suggested this benefit, but more research is needed to confirm long-term effects. The impact may vary based on individual health status and donation frequency.

Read more- Ayurvedic medicinal herbs to control hypertension

3. Therapy for Hemochromatosis (Excess Iron)

Hemochromatosis is a condition characterised by excess iron accumulation in the body. Donating blood regularly can help people with hemochromatosis. It keeps their iron levels in check. Each time someone donates blood, a certain amount of iron is taken out of their body. This helps lower the chances of problems that can occur when there is too much iron in the body.

4. Free health screening

One of the most remarkable benefits of blood donation is the free health checkup. Before donating blood, you undergo a health checkup. It includes your blood pressure, haemoglobin, and infectious disease screening. It is a good opportunity to check your health and detect any underlying conditions.

What are the side effects and risks of donating blood?

Blood donation centres prioritise donor safety. All necessary precautions are taken to minimise risks and ensure a positive donation. The majority of individuals donate blood without experiencing any adverse effects. The side effects and risks of blood donation are generally mild and temporary. These include:

1. Fatigue and dizziness

It’s common to experience some fatigue and dizziness after donating blood. It occurs due to a temporary decrease in blood volume. Most individuals recover from these effects within a few hours. Resting, staying hydrated, and eating a light snack can help reduce these symptoms.

2. Bruising and soreness at the donation site

Bruising and soreness can occur at the needle insertion site after donating blood. It is a normal reaction and usually resolves within a few days. Applying a cold compress and avoiding rubbing the area can reduce the discomfort.

3. Iron Deficiency

Regular blood donation may cause a decrease in iron levels in the body. It can lead to iron deficiency. To minimise this risk, maintain a balanced diet rich in iron-rich foods and iron supplements. It can help restore iron levels in the body.

Who can donate blood?

Individuals with good physical and mental health can volunteer for blood donation. They should not have acute or chronic illnesses that could worsen after donation. According to WHO, an individual must meet the following eligibility criteria to volunteer blood donation:

• You must be 18 yrs – 65 yrs of age. Your weight to donate blood must be around 50 kgs.
• You must have stable blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature at the time of donation.
• You must be free of any acute illness or infection at the time of donation. Yet, there are some medical conditions when blood donation is still possible.
• Seasonal allergies without severe symptoms.
• 24 hours following your antibiotic intake.
• 48 hours following your cold or flu got better.
• Patients with diabetes and hypertension have normal pulse, blood glucose, and blood pressure levels.

The professionals at blood donation sites confirm your eligibility before taking blood. It is important that you inform them about any medical condition.

Who is not recommended for blood donation?

People who have diseases like AIDS, hepatitis B or C, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis cannot donate blood. It is because there is a risk of passing on these infections through their blood. Additionally, if you have severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or cancer, you are not eligible to donate blood. Other factors that make you ineligible for blood donation include:

• Your body temperature is above 99.5 ºF.
• Your weight to donate blood must not be below 45 kg.
• Your haemoglobin level is less than 12.5 g/dL
• You have an active bacterial or viral infection, such as flu, cold, or COVID-19.
• You have recently visited regions with high rates of malaria, dengue, or Zika virus.
• If you take antibiotics and medications to prevent blood clots and inhibit your immunity.
• Pregnancy or lactation
• If you have taken treatment for malaria in the last 3 months
• Addicted to recreational drugs
• If your tattoo/piercing is less than 3 months
• If you engage in unprotected sex or share needles.

Who can donate blood to whom?

The compatibility between the donor and recipient blood groups is most important. Here is a general guide to blood group compatibility for donation:

• Individuals with Blood type A+ can donate blood to individuals with A+, AB+.
• Individuals with blood type A- can donate to individuals with A+, A-, AB+, AB-.
• An individual with blood type B+ can donate to individuals with B+, AB+
• Individuals with blood type B- can donate to individuals with B+, B-, AB+, AB-.
• An individual with blood type AB+ can donate to individuals with AB+.
• Individuals with blood type AB- can donate to individuals with AB+, AB-, A+, A-.
• Individuals with blood type O+ (universal donor) can donate to individuals with A+, B+, AB+, O+.
• Individuals with blood type O- (universal donors) can donate to individuals with blood types A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-.

The final compatibility during the screening and blood group matching process is done by a doctor.

How to donate blood?

If you wish to donate blood, look for a reputable blood donation centre or a blood drive nearby. Hospitals, blood banks, and Red Cross often holds blood donation camps. Go through their websites and social media platforms for information on upcoming drives.
You complete a registration form at the donation centre or blood donation camp. The registration form collects basic information about you, such as your name, contact details, and medical history. Then a trained healthcare professional performs your Screening. It includes reviewing your medical history, and checking if you meet the eligibility criteria. Your blood pressure, pulse rate, and haemoglobin levels are also recorded. If you are eligible, the blood donation procedure begins. The blood donation process consists of the following steps:

• You sit or lie down in a comfortable chair.
• The healthcare professional sterilizes the area on your arm, usually the inner elbow.
• Then a sterile needle is inserted into a vein in your arm. You can experience a little pinch or mild discomfort.
• As the donation begins, blood will flow from your arm into a collection bag or container. The process takes about 10 minutes. You can relax in the meantime.

What should you avoid before donating blood?

Before donating blood, it is essential to avoid certain things. It ensures a safe and successful donation. Here are some things to avoid:

• Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before donating blood.
• Avoid medications such as Aspirin. Also, inform the blood donation centre about any medications you are taking.
• Avoid consuming fried food before donation, as it can affect your blood lipid profile.
• Drink plenty of fluids before donation to stay hydrated. Avoid excessive tea, coffee and soft drinks intake, as it can dehydrate you.

What to do after donating blood?

If you plan to donate blood, know the tips to ensure your safety and aid the recovery process. Here’s a guide on what to take care of after donating blood:

• Leave the bandage on the needle insertion site for a few hours.
• Apply pressure to the site with the bandage to prevent bleeding and aid in healing.
• Rest for a while at the donation site immediately after donating blood. It allows your body to adjust and recover from the donation process.
• Have plenty of water or juice, to replenish the lost fluids and help your body recover. Staying hydrated is essential after blood donation.
• Enjoy a light snack or refreshment provided by the donation centre. It helps restore your energy levels and prevents dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day to prevent excessive strain.
• Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours after blood donation. Alcohol can affect blood circulation and may interfere with the recovery process.
• Have foods rich in iron, vitamin C, protein, and leafy greens into your diet to recover from the blood loss.
• Follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare professionals at the donation centre.
• If you experience dizziness, nausea, or excessive bleeding at the needle insertion site. Inform the donation centre immediately.

Takeaway

Donating blood is more than a generous act — it’s a simple way to support critical care, manage your own health, and be part of a life-saving chain. Regular donors are the quiet backbone of every emergency response. If you’re eligible, consider making it a habit.

Disclaimer: The information given in this article is true to the best of our knowledge. Still, we recommend that you consult your doctor or healthcare professionals at the donation centres if you have any concerns about donating blood.

References

• Eligibility Criteria Alphabetical Listing. (2023). https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical.html
• Who can give blood (2023). https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2018/who-can-give-blood.
• Blood Centre | Indian Red Cross Society. (2023). https://www.indianredcross.org/ircs/program/BloodBank
• Singh, H. (2023). National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) – MoHFW, India. from http://nbtc.naco.gov.in/page/eligibility/