Foods To Avoid After Donating Blood

Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated beverages also reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. A blood donor should especially avoid coffee and tea because they contain polyphenols, which are compounds that bind with iron during digestion and thus prevent the body from absorbing it. In 1999, researchers tested the effects of various beverages on the body’s ability to absorb iron. They found black tea could inhibit iron absorption by up to ninety-four percent and cocoa could inhibit iron absorption by as much seventy-one percent. The stronger the drink, the less iron the body absorbs. Caffeine is also a diuretic and thus causes the body to lose fluids. It is, therefore, a good idea to avoid caffeinated drinks for at least eight hours after giving blood.

Learn about yet another food to avoid after donating blood.