RESUMEN
Aim: Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional disorders in the world, and blood donation may cause iron depletion. This study assessed the incidence and stages of iron deficiency in male subjects donating blood in a bleeding bay in Calabar, Nigeria. Methodology: One hundred and eighty-four male blood donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) bleeding bay were used for the study. The donors were divided into 5 groups namely; control [n = 35; (19.0%)], first time donors [n = 32; (17.4%)], second time donors [n = 35; (19.0%)], third time donors [n = 41; (22.3%)] and forth time donors [n = 41; (22.3%)]. Blood samples were taken from all the donors and their iron–related parameters namely, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), transferrin saturation (TS), serum ferritin level (SF) and serum transferrin receptor level (STfR) was determined as indicators of iron stores. Results: The prevalence of anaemia 49 (26.6%), iron depletion 60 (32.6%), iron deficiency without anaemia 106 (57.6%) and iron deficiency anaemia 60 (32.6%) was significantly (p<0.05) increased in 184 male blood donors. The percentage value of the various iron deficiency stages was observed to be higher in 2nd, 3rd and 4th timers when compared with control and first time groups. The higher prevalence of iron deficiency may be caused by more frequent and larger volumes of blood donated by 2nd, 3rd and 4th timers when compared to control and first time groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that, to avoid the differences in the prevalence among these donors, regular supervision of their haematocrit levels and introducing haemoglobin estimation (using autoanalyser) and serum ferritin be made for them before donating or else, 2nd timers and those above second should not be allowed to donate blood in a year. Moreover, adequate iron supplement should be given in order to prevent the development of iron deficiency.