What to eat before donating blood

If you’re thinking about donating blood here are the foods you should eat beforehand.

■ FOODS RICH IN IRON Start eating foods rich in iron a week before your donation to avoid anaemia. Iron-rich foods include liver, red meat, beans, nuts, fortified breakfast cereals and dark green leaves.

■ VITAMIN C Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron so eat strawberries, blueberries, mango, kiwis and peppers alongside the foods above.

■ WATER Drink plenty of water before your donation and after it too. If you’re well hydrated, your blood pressure will be steady and it can also help your vein stick out a bit more making it easier to find.

Don’t drink alcohol or eat fatty foods before your donation.