Calories expended replacing blood donated?

[whome]

I just got back from donating 2 units of platelets. I know it will take energy to replace these but how many? And what about a whole blood donation and even just red blood cells? These things all take energy (calories) to replace but where can I go to find out? Suggestions? Or does someone already know? I am sure it isn't as simple as 3500 per pound, that would be too easy.

[LindaMaree · Accepted solution]

The Australian Red Cross Blood Bank says it takes 640 calories to replenish a blood donation and 470 calories for a plasma donation. It doesn't tell us about platelets though - sorry. 

Yes it does! Apparently platelets are also about 470 calories. 🙂

[whome]

Thanks LindaMaree, I appreciate that. I had spent the 2 hours I could have spent walking on the apheresis machine and it is good to know it helped as much as it does.