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The Blood Matters Blog ·

Donating Blood Is Good for Your Health, New Study Indicates

The benefits of donating blood are real and, according to a new study, could be especially helpful for lowering blood cancer risk.

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We all know that blood donation is a fantastic way to help others, but did you know that donating blood is good for your health, too? It's true! And according to a new study, there could be even more health benefits than we've previously known.

Published in March, a UK study titled "Clonal Hematopoiesis Landscape in Frequent Blood Donors" identified a potential link between donating blood and a lower risk of blood cancer.

Comparing the DNA of frequent male blood donors — defined as donors with more than 100 lifetime successful appointments — and sporadic blood donors — donors who've given blood less than 10 times — researchers found a different genetic landscape between the two groups. The differences uncovered between the groups indicate that regular blood donation may help reduce the accumulation of potentially harmful, cancer-causing genetic changes in blood-forming cells.

RELATED: OBI Donors Assist in Creation of New Cancer Therapy Serum

Researchers took a closer look at the DNMT3A gene, which is linked to a higher risk of leukemia and other blood cancers. They compared how cancer-causing DNMT3A mutations behaved versus those found in frequent blood donors. The results were promising; the genetic changes in frequent donors didn’t act like cancer.

Erythropoietin and Blood Donation

When you donate blood, the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is released from the kidneys to stimulate the production of new red blood cells. In this study, researchers specifically wanted to see how repeated exposure to EPO through blood donation would affect genetic change over time. Their findings suggest that this increased exposure to EPO potentially supports a healthy blood cell environment that may reduce the buildup of harmful mutations as we age.

Study Limitations and the 'Healthy Donor Effect'

Blood donors are often healthier than the general population, if for no other reason than the eligibility requirements necessary to give blood safely. We call this the "healthy donor effect." This effect can create a potential stumbling block for research. Other factors, like the study's relatively small sample size and the focus on male-specific blood donors, are also worth noting.

More Potential Health Benefits of Donating Blood

  • Lower Cardiovascular Risk

    A study in American Journal Epidemiology found that blood donors had an 88% lower risk of heart attacks compared to non-donors. Although this research was done on a small group of middle-aged men in Finland, it suggests that donating blood might help reduce the risk of heart attacks.

    In 2022, a review in Transfusion Medicine Reviews looked at the existing studies on blood donation and cardiovascular risk. The review found that most studies showed a protective effect of blood donation on cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to draw firm conclusions.

    How exactly does blood donation improve cardiovascular health? There are two main theories. First, donating blood lowers iron levels. Too much iron can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Second, blood donation reduces blood thickness, making it easier for blood to flow through your body. This improved circulation helps prevent blood cells from sticking together and forming clots.

  • Lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension

    A study in the journal Transfusion found that regular blood donation might help lower high blood pressure in people with hypertension. Researchers observed that people with high blood pressure had lower readings after donating blood just four times. While these findings are still preliminary, they suggest that blood donation could be a helpful addition to blood pressure treatment.

  • Lower Risk of Non-Blood Cancers

    Donating blood may help lower the risk of more than just blood cancer. A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a possible connection between blood donation and reduced risk of certain cancers. Researchers believe that losing iron through donation may play a role in lowering the risk of liver, colon, stomach, and esophageal cancer. While it is too early to claim that blood donation prevents cancer, such positive findings clearly warrant further research.

  • Beneficial Cholesterol Changes

    Donating blood may help improve cholesterol levels. A study in the Global Journal of Transfusion Medicine measured cholesterol before and 12 days after blood donation. Researchers found that "good" cholesterol (also known as HDL) increased, while "bad" cholesterol (also known as LDL) decreased. This suggests at least a short-term positive impact on cholesterol.

  • Reduction of Oxidative Stress

    A study from the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology suggests that donating blood may help reduce oxidative stress. Researchers found that 24 hours after donating blood, harmful oxidants decreased while antioxidants increased. Since oxidative stress is linked to aging and many diseases, this could prove to be a positive health benefit.

Everyone Wins When You Donate Blood

Help others and yourself? Why not? Come and see us at one of our 17 donor centers across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas or at an upcoming OBI blood drive in your area.

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