Plasma donation (plasmapheresis) involves drawing whole blood, separating the pale-yellow plasma, and returning the remaining blood components to the donor. Plasma is rich in proteins and water, used to create life-saving therapies for people with immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and other serious conditions. Since the procedure removes fluid and plasma proteins, proper nutrition is important for the donor’s comfort, safety, and success. Preparation helps minimize the risk of adverse reactions like lightheadedness or fatigue and ensures the collected plasma is suitable for medical use.
Strategic Hydration
Hydration is the most important factor for a successful plasma donation, as plasma is approximately 92% water. Increasing fluid intake 24 to 48 hours before the appointment helps maintain blood volume, reducing the chances of experiencing dizziness or fainting during or after the procedure. Staying well-hydrated also makes veins more accessible, often resulting in a faster donation process.
Aim to consume several extra glasses of water beyond the typical daily recommendation in the day leading up to the donation. Incorporating electrolyte-rich beverages, such as sports drinks or coconut water, can help maintain the body’s fluid balance. These drinks replenish the salts and minerals lost alongside the fluid during the donation process.
Fluids that act as diuretics should be avoided or significantly limited in the 24 hours before the appointment. Excessive caffeine (in coffee, tea, and energy drinks) and alcohol lead to increased fluid loss and dehydration. Consuming these substances too close to the donation time can negatively affect blood flow and increase the risk of feeling unwell.
Essential Nutrients for Preparation
Focusing on specific nutrients in the 24 hours before donation helps the body prepare for the temporary loss of plasma components. Primary nutrients to emphasize are protein and iron, which support the body’s ability to quickly regenerate blood components. Proteins are important because they make up about 7% of plasma, including components like albumin and immunoglobulins.
Consuming protein-rich, low-fat foods helps ensure the body has the building blocks necessary to replace the plasma proteins removed during the process. Recommended options include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese), and plant-based sources like beans, lentils, and nuts. A healthy meal incorporating protein should ideally be consumed within a few hours of the donation.
While red blood cells are returned during plasmapheresis, maintaining healthy iron levels is important for overall blood health and to prevent fatigue. Iron is essential for hemoglobin, and a low level can lead to deferral from donation. Incorporate iron-rich foods (lean red meat, poultry, seafood, or fortified cereals) along with Vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption.
Foods and Substances to Exclude
Certain dietary choices immediately before a donation can compromise the quality of the plasma and potentially make it unusable for manufacturing therapies. The most important foods to avoid are those high in fat, especially in the 6 to 8 hours before the appointment. High-fat meals, such as fast food, fried items, rich desserts, or high-fat dairy, introduce excess lipids into the bloodstream.
High fat content can cause the plasma to become cloudy or milky, a condition known as lipemia. Lipemic plasma interferes with the testing process and is often rejected because it cannot be properly processed. To ensure the plasma is clear and acceptable, donors should opt for lean, balanced meals.
Excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks can increase fluid loss and potentially raise the heart rate, which could affect the donor’s eligibility. Avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine helps maintain hydration and ensures the donor’s vital signs remain within acceptable limits.
Immediate Post-Donation Nutrition
The immediate post-donation period requires specific nutritional steps to stabilize the donor and facilitate a quick recovery. The main focus should be on replenishing lost fluids, electrolytes, and quick sources of energy. Donors should continue to drink plenty of water or electrolyte-fortified beverages to restore fluid volume.
Quickly consuming a small snack that provides both carbohydrates and sodium is beneficial to help restore blood volume and prevent post-donation lightheadedness. Salty snacks like pretzels or crackers help the body retain fluids. Fruit juice or fruit provides a rapid boost of simple sugars for energy.
After this initial snack, the donor should plan to eat a full, balanced meal within the next few hours that is rich in protein and complex carbohydrates. Continuing to prioritize protein helps the body regenerate the plasma proteins removed during the process. Maintaining this focus on hydration and nutrient-dense foods supports the body’s recovery throughout the remainder of the day.