Key Nutrition Goal
High protein and hydration = successful donation
What to Eat Before Donating
Eating the right foods before donation helps ensure you pass screening and feel great during the process.
2-3 Hours Before
- Light, protein-rich meal: Not too heavy, not too light
- Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs
- Complex carbs: Whole grain bread, oatmeal
- Water: 16-20 oz in the hours before
Best Pre-Donation Meals
| Meal Option | Protein | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs + Toast | 12-14g | Quick, easy, balanced |
| Chicken Salad | 25-30g | High protein, light |
| Greek Yogurt + Granola | 15-18g | Quick, portable |
| Turkey Sandwich | 20-25g | Easy, filling |
| Protein Shake | 20-30g | Fast absorption |
Day-Before Preparation
- Hydrate all day: 8-10 glasses of water
- Protein with dinner: Build up reserves
- Avoid alcohol: Can cause dehydration
- Good sleep: Rest supports recovery
What to Eat After Donating
Post-donation nutrition helps your body recover quickly.
Immediately After
- Center snacks: Accept cookies/juice offered
- More water: 16+ oz in the first hour
- Sit and rest: Don't rush to eat a big meal
Within 2 Hours After
- Protein-rich meal: Help rebuild plasma proteins
- Iron-rich foods: Support blood health
- Continue hydrating: Water, juice, sports drinks
Best Post-Donation Foods
| Food | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lean beef/steak | Protein + iron |
| Spinach salad | Iron + vitamins |
| Beans/lentils | Protein + iron |
| Orange juice | Vitamin C (helps iron absorption) |
| Peanut butter | Protein + healthy fats |
Foods to Avoid
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- Fatty foods: Can make your plasma lipemic (cloudy)
- Fast food: High fat content
- Fried foods: Can cause deferral
- Heavy cream/butter: High saturated fat
- Alcohol: Dehydrating, may cause deferral
What Is Lipemic Plasma?
Lipemic plasma appears cloudy or milky due to high fat content. It can:
- Get you deferred: Center may reject the donation
- Waste your time: You came but can't donate
- Be unusable: Lipemic plasma can't be used for medicine
Foods That Cause Lipemic Plasma
- Bacon, sausage
- Pizza
- Burgers and fries
- Ice cream
- Heavy cream sauces
- Fried chicken
Protein Focus
Why Protein Matters
- Plasma is protein: Your plasma is largely made of proteins
- Screening test: Centers check protein levels
- Recovery: Protein helps rebuild what you donated
- Energy: Keeps you feeling good
Daily Protein Goals for Donors
| Weight | Daily Protein Target |
|---|---|
| 130 lbs | 50-60g |
| 150 lbs | 55-65g |
| 175 lbs | 65-75g |
| 200 lbs | 75-85g |
High-Protein Food Sources
- Chicken breast: 31g per 4 oz
- Greek yogurt: 15-20g per cup
- Eggs: 6g per egg
- Tuna: 25g per can
- Cottage cheese: 14g per half cup
- Protein powder: 20-30g per scoop
Hydration Tips
Plasma Is 90% Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for plasma donation success.
Daily Water Goals
- Donation days: 10-12 glasses (80-96 oz)
- Non-donation days: 8-10 glasses (64-80 oz)
- Before appointment: 16-20 oz in the 2 hours prior
Best Hydration Sources
- Water: Always the best choice
- Electrolyte drinks: Gatorade, Pedialyte (sugar-free options available)
- Coconut water: Natural electrolytes
- Fruit juice: Hydration + vitamins
Signs You're Dehydrated
- Dark yellow urine
- Feeling thirsty
- Headache
- Slow vein fill at donation
- Feeling dizzy during/after
Nutritional needs vary by individual. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
This is just one piece of the puzzle. For everything you need to know about plasma donation in 2026—earnings, centers, eligibility, and pro tips—check out our comprehensive resource: