Effect of One Unit Blood Donation on Appetite-Related Biomarkers

It is commonly reported that blood donation (BD) leads to an increase in appetite. To investigate this claim, a questionnaire was offered to 306 people who had a history of BD at least once in their life. Following a positive outcome from the questionnaire, we further investigated the impact of BD on appetite.

The questionnaire study consists of a 5-question survey with VAS was performed on 399 volunteers. Later, 108 volunteers were enrolled in a laboratory study. Blood samples were withdrawn before and after BD. Leptin, ghrelin, neuropeptide-Y (NPY), and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) levels were measured by ELISA kits. VAS assessment was also performed on all participants before and after BD.

There was a significant decrease in the level of leptin but the levels of ghrelin, NPY and α-MSH were unchanged. A significant change in VAS value in terms of appetite was also observed.

The elevation of appetite after BD is predominantly psychological. Hormonal changes may contribute to the control of hypothalamic hunger and satiety centers.