Factors associated with iron deficiency and how they can be used in blood donor selection processes

Background and objectives In an effort to improve donor health, we set out to investigate determinants other than blood donation that increase risk of ID in a healthy population and if they should be implemented into current blood donor selection processes. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed, Ovid Medline and Scopus for articles related to ID. Results Current evidence suggests that several determinants, including biological, environmental, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors increase the risk for ID. Conclusions Heavy menstruation, use of some medications and dietary factors could potentially be implemented in donor selection, however further study is needed. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study was funded by the MD/PhD programme of the faculty of medicine at the University of Helsinki and the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes All data can be reproduced by following the search guidelines