Blodgiver - fordeler og ulemper

[Bikkja]

Donerte i dag min første dose blod på Bærum sykehus / Blodbanken der. Over norm hyggelig prosess. For ca en mnd siden var jeg inne til "innregistrering og blodprøve". Og i dag ble altså første dose levert. Særs proffe fra A til Å. Tok ca 30 minutter. Gratis parkering bak sykehet (digital innregistrering ved ankomst). Neste time allerede satt opp og tanken er fire blodgivninger i året.

Merket ikke noe særlig til stikket tross større nål enn vanlig blodprøve. I det hele tatt smertefritt og ingen ubehag. Ei ubehag heller nå noen timer etter gjennomføring.

Særlig spennende er det jo å se på helseeffekter i longevityperspektivet vs produksjon nytt blod, stamceller m.m.

Skråblikk: https://manwarden.com/giving-blood-four-times-a-year-a-gentlemans-longevity-edge/

Gi gass: https://www.rodekors.no/gi-blod/

[Bikkja]

Noen relevante nyhetsklipp via kjapt Google søk:

A Healthier Heart and Vascular System

Regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. “It definitely helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors,” says Dr. DeSimone.

What’s the connection? “If your hemoglobin is too high, blood donation helps to lower the viscosity of the blood, which has been associated with the formation of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke,” Dr. DeSimone says. “Interestingly, these benefits are more significant in men compared to women. We think maybe it’s because women have menstrual cycles, so they do it naturally without donating blood.”

https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-surprising-benefits-of-donating-blood/

One blood donation can save up to three lives, according to DeSimone. People usually donate because it feels good to help others, and altruism and volunteering have been linked to positive health outcomes, including a lower risk for depression and greater longevity.

https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/surprising-benefits-donating-blood

[Bikkja]

24 timer etter - ingen store merknader. Løp normale 6k morgentur, kondisjonstall 48 opprettholdt. Merket jeg var litt mer sliten i dag, men helt ok

[admin]

En update fra Grok om det å gi blod for menn, 3-4 ganger per år:

"### Latest Research on Blood Donation and Health Benefits for Men

Recent studies, particularly from 2025, have shed light on the potential health advantages of regular blood donation for men, with a focus on frequencies like 3-4 times per year. The most prominent research centers on genetic and cellular changes in blood stem cells, alongside established cardiovascular benefits. While direct evidence linking donation to extended lifespan (longevity) remains indirect—through reduced risks of age-related diseases like cancer and heart conditions—emerging data suggests it may support healthier aging by promoting resilient blood cell production. Below, I'll outline the key findings from the latest studies, emphasizing those relevant to men.

#### Key 2025 Study: Genetic Adaptations in Frequent Donors
A landmark study published in the *Blood* journal in May 2025 analyzed clonal hematopoiesis (CH)—the accumulation of genetic mutations in blood stem cells, which can increase with age and cancer risk—in 217 healthy male donors in their 60s. Researchers compared "frequent donors" (those with >100 lifetime donations, equivalent to about 3 times per year over 40 years) to "sporadic donors" (<5 lifetime donations).

- **Genetic Mutations and Blood Cell Health**: Both groups had similar overall rates and sizes of CH mutations. However, frequent donors showed a distinct pattern in the *DNMT3A* gene (the most common site for CH mutations). They were 50% more likely to carry "beneficial" variants (e.g., frameshifts or premature stops) compared to 30% in sporadic donors. These mutations differ from preleukemic ones (like R882 variants linked to leukemia) and instead enhance stem cell efficiency under stress. Specifically, they promote balanced production of red blood cells when stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that rises after blood loss. In lab tests and mouse models, stem cells from frequent donors outperformed others in regenerating healthy blood cells without favoring cancer-prone lineages.

- **Implications for Cancer Risk and Longevity**: These adaptations may lower the risk of blood cancers like leukemia by favoring non-cancerous cell production during repeated "stress" from donation. The study suggests an ongoing "Darwinian evolution" in stem cells, where donation acts as a selective pressure for resilient, EPO-responsive cells—potentially contributing to better hematopoietic health in aging men. While not directly measuring lifespan, this could indirectly support longevity by mitigating age-related blood disorders, which affect up to 10-20% of older adults and raise mortality risks. Larger follow-up studies are needed to confirm cancer risk reduction.

This frequency (3 times/year) aligns closely with standard guidelines for male donors (up to 4 times/year, with 8-week intervals), making it highly relevant.

#### Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits
Beyond genetics, regular donation (3-4 times/year) offers well-substantiated benefits for men's heart health, which ties into longevity:

- **Reduced Heart Disease Risk**: A 2025 review reinforced earlier findings that men donating at least once a year have an 88% lower risk of heart attacks, likely due to lower blood viscosity (thinner blood eases heart pumping) and reduced clotting. Donation also regulates iron levels—high iron in men is linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and heart disease—potentially lowering hypertension and stroke risk.

- **Metabolic Improvements**: Emerging evidence from 2025 suggests better insulin sensitivity, reducing type 2 diabetes risk, and slight blood pressure drops, especially in hypertensive men.

- **General Well-Being**: Donation may reduce stress and inflammation, with psychological perks like a "warm glow" from altruism.

#### Limitations and Considerations
- Most data is observational; causation isn't fully proven, and benefits may vary by age/health.
- For men over 60 (as in the main study), gains appear pronounced, but younger donors should still aim for 3-4 donations/year if eligible.
- No major risks at this frequency for healthy men, but consult a doctor for iron monitoring.

Overall, 2025 research positions regular blood donation as a low-effort intervention that may "reprogram" blood stem cells for healthier aging, with strong cardiovascular upsides. If you're eligible, it's a win-win for you and recipients."