Do i have to eat right before i give blood?

Question

I am giving blood today for the first time and I was not sure if i should eat dinner before or after i gave.

Answer 1

Yes you should, you should also drink plenty of fluids, more than normal for the next 8 hours.  This will help replenish the volume they are taking out. Eating will also help your body with having the energy to replace the blood and will not rob your body of the food it needs.( those who don't eat have a tendency to get dizzy lightheaded and faint)  You will want to avoid strenuous exercise for at least today.  Also any alcohol should be consumed after eating. If you feel faint lightheaded or dizzy you should lie down with your feet elevated or in the fainting position with your head between your knees.  Any bleeding from the site apply firm pressure and put your arm straight up in the air.

Glad to hear that you are donating, and remember these are not necessarily things that are going to happen they are things that could.

Answer 2

makes no difference