Hemochromatosis and Blood Donation: What You Need to Know

No, people with hemochromatosis cannot donate blood.

Hemochromatosis is a condition in which there is too much iron in the body. The excess iron can damage the liver, heart, pancreas, and joints. Donating blood removes iron from the body, which can help to prevent or delay these complications. However, people with hemochromatosis should not donate blood because their iron levels are already too high. Donating blood would further deplete their iron stores and could lead to anemia.