Does donating blood help your health.

[nedflanders]

Is there any health benefits from donating blood regularly?

[Janetex]

Not for normal people, but for some who have a disorder (something to do with iron levels) it is beneficial.

[woofgang]

Its called something bizarre like hyperhaemia. The body does not excrete excess iron but uses it to make more red blood cells, making blood thick and sticky. this (as I remember) put the kidneys and arteries at risk. I have a friend who has it. Had to give up her job travelling abroad because she needs to donate blood about once a month. Its quite rare and there is a genetic component to it, but if you have it, your kids probably won't because it is so rare

[sddsddean]

Each donation is tested for various nasty diseases, so at least you get a free blood test out of it. (Not to mention the tea and biccies!)

[Hippy]

Blood donation should not be used as a substitute for the STD clinic. If you have been engaging in promiscuous sexual activity you should refrain from blood donation. The lifestyle questions on the pre-session form should indicate this. The blood is screened to protect others not for your benefit.