Effect of One Unit Blood Donation on Appetite-Related Biomarkers.

PURPOSE: 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.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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 Blood samples were withdrawn before and after BD.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.

RESULTS: 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.

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