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Vegans/Vegetarians: Do any of you donate blood to the American Red Cross?

I do, as often as I can. I ask because I just donated a couple of days ago, and the woman said "You have rich blood" looking at it after I finished. I asked what she meant by that, and she said I have a lot of red blood cells because my blood is very dark, "almost black" she said!

Just wondering if many other vegan/vegetarians donate blood. I always feel fine after donating, too. They always test your blood's iron level first, so don't worry if you'd like to try it. Any responses are greatly appreciated.

Public Comments

1. I'm a vegetarian and I've never had the chance to give blood. I wonder if the same thing would happen to me? That would sound to me like there wasn't as much oxygen in your blood because when you're blood is running through your veins it is very dark, almost black. As soon as it hits oxygen it turns bright red. I don't know, that sounds kinda strange

2. I don't agree on your color code. I think it is CO2 that makes it black ????
BUT is a long time for me..
I take meds.
as for V&V donating I also encourage them
since many do not indulge in alcohol they are prime canadates for pediatric doners.

3. I've never heard that V&V people drink less alcohol, but I'm new, and most of the V&V's I know in real life are grilled cheese and beer junkies so they aren't good examples!

4. I donate blood too, the last time I tried though my iron was too low...I need to eat more spinach!!

5. I had hepatitis so they don't want my blood.

6. I used to be a very regular blood donor, but I've missed out in the last several years for various reasons. Every time a blood drive comes up at work it's something (I missed the last few because you have to not have been tattooed in the last 12 months.) I've never had a problem with the iron thing; they've always approved me to donate.