Increasing frequency of blood donation has no major side effects
In the UK, men can donate every 12 weeks, and women every 16 weeks, but the study showed that reducing the interval between donations by 4 weeks (to every 8 weeks for men, and every 12 weeks for women) had no major impact on the donors' quality of life, mental function or physical activity, and increased the amount of blood collected over two years by 33% (1.7 units) in men and 24% (0.85 units) in women. However, some people who gave blood more frequently did report minor symptoms including tiredness and restless legs, and the research suggests this may have been due to giving blood. The findings may help overcome potential risks to blood stocks, including issues attracting and retaining young donors, and increased demand caused by aging populations. In addition, it could help to increase stocks of much-needed universal blood groups and rarer blood groups. "This study suggests that more frequent blood donation is a feasible and safe option for donors in the UK, and g...