Hepcidin levels in blood donors

Summary

Hepcidin is the hormone that controls iron levels. When iron is needed and/or when iron levels are low, hepcidin levels fall and iron is let into the cells lining the gut and so into the body.

This study aims to measure hepcidin levels in blood donors and obtain information about how hepcidin is controlled in different individuals to improve donor care. We will use this information to help to predict which donors become iron deficient.