Long-term effects of Blood donation?

I feel that a lot of people (organizations, media, etc) are trying to cover up any adverse effects of blood donation because they want people to donate. Also, I only hear about short-term effects and even their pamphlets claim it to be "risk-free."
Seriously, there is absolutely nothing in this world that is "risk-free" about anything that requires change -- especially NOT when they want a pint of blood from you every 2 months (and it is quite a bit when we only have an avg of 10.5 pints in our body).
So I am wondering, did any of you come across some data and studies that have shown any long-term effects of blood donation? Pls provide the site/source, too.
Thank you!

Long-term, as in, several years down the road. For example, your body needs to makeup for the fact that you are not in full-capacity of Red Blood Cell count for several weeks. Does your body need to put extra energy into regenerating lost resources? Will you age faster? Will it have adverse affects on your internal organs/bone 10 years down the road? How about your reduced WBC count?
I'm not sure if we've had blood donation for long enough to determine any real long-term effects.
These questions are coming to mind because I've donated blood yesterday.

I've never heard of it. If you are healthy, your body should replenish the blood you donate. I was a blood donor for about a year after 9/11, then stopped for personal reasons. I never had any problems.... I understand your concern, though. If you worry, try giving blood less frequently or not at all.

i have not but i am curious too

There is not a major risk in donating a lot, however the intervals at when you do donate and how often you donate do make a huge difference.

Your body replaces blood volume or plasma within 24 hours and red blood cells within 4-8 weeks. If you donate blood sooner than 4-8 weeks, you will have a below average RBC (red blood cell) count.

Your red blood cells are the cells that carry hemoglobin, which is the iron-containing oxygen transporter for your body's cells. If you donate too much in a short amount of time, you will induce yourself into an anemic state, both lacking iron and oxygen for your cells. A lack of oxygen will make you more susceptible for a lack of energy.

I've never heard of such a thing ! I've heard of the short-term risks especially if you are anemic or have certain "diseases" that you shouldn't donate... However, giving blood is safe and a GREAT way to help out others. It doesn't cost anything but, time and some energy. I hope that you continue to donate and not let anything negative change your opinion !

* I donated both my sons- placenta/cord(s) it didn't cost anything and if we need it in the future it's on file.

*The case worker that I donated it through at the hospital said, it's helped at least 15 people since I have a rare blood type. It makes me feel good to help other people especially since that type of donation often gets thrown away !

good luck

yea we have about a gallon and a half of blood in out body, and they are taking a pint out, I understand your concern. Your body however has more than plenty of resources to compensate for that amount of loss. There are various hormones that a released to help you retain water and sodium, and replenish blood volume almost instantaneously. your blood vessels constrict, and capillary beds close, to keep the blood pressure up. there are a lot more mechanisms that help fine tune your blood volume, and your blood pressure. red blood cell production is put on an overdrive by a hormone released by the kidneys, and before you know it you will have a normal RBC count again. blood donation centers will not let you donate more than about once every 2 and a half or 3 months so you dont become anemic. considering everything, if you are healthy enough to donate the risk really is very low. if anything was to happen to you and you needed a blood transfusion it would be a lot riskier not to get one because there wasnt any.