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This could be a dopey question, but here goes: If I am strict about eating Dr. McDougall's diet, it is pretty low in protein. I realize that is fine -- perhaps even preferable -- for general good health. Could the protein level in my blood become too low to donate plasma? They always stress "eat a meal high in protein an hour or two before donating".

I haven't had any problems donating blood. I think they tell you to eat more so that you won't be weak after donating and also maybe so your iron isn't too low to prevent you from donating.

Pish. I donate blood several times a year. The only thing they check is blood pressure and iron level. Even though I've been vegan for over 12 years, my iron levels are great.
Kate

I am talking about donating plasma, not blood. They check your protein level every time you donate, and if it's below a certain level, you can't donate. I don't think they care about the iron. When you donate plasma, they take the protein out of your blood and put your blood back into you.

As a follow-up, I had to give a vial of blood for testing last week, and I failed the protein level. The protein level in my blood is too low to donate plasma. So....I guess I will either have to start eating more tofu or meat analogs or something.

Did they tell you exactly in what quantity "too low" your protein level was?

How many calories are you consuming on daily basis?

No, she didn't have the exact numbers -- just that I was below the bottom of the allowed range.

I am consuming plenty of calories, believe me. I don't track calories, but I'm in Weight Watchers and I do track points. I usually eat at least 35 points a day (the lowest I'm supposed to go is 26). The weight isn't falling off me -- I'm still technically a point above a healthy BMI -- so I think I'm okay with the calorie intake.

If you MUST donate blood, eat more beans. Much better than tofu or (ugh!) meat analogs!

Okay, I FINALLY passed the protein level test, with a 6.6 rating -- yea! Unfortunately, it took three weeks of eating 1-2 servings a day of cottage cheese, greek yogurt, pea protein powder, egg whites, and even a serving of salmon. Now I plan to remove most of those things (except for the occasional egg white I was already eating and the pea protein powder) and see if my level stays high enough.