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HOLLAND & BARRETT PLEDGES TO HELP GET THE NATION BLOOD DONATION READY AS BLOOD STOCKS REACH CRITICALLY LOW LEVELS

17 March 2025 

  • Despite blood stocks hitting critically low levels[1], almost 10% of British adults are turned away from donating due to low iron levels[2]
  • The NHS needs three blood donations every minute to handle emergencies, childbirth and critical treatments[3] 
  • H&B Blood Donor Bundle launched to support the nation’s blood donors 

Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer, has today announced its pledge to support WeDonate in its mission to raise awareness about blood donation and the implications of the number of people turned away.

British adults who want to donate blood are often unable to due to decreased iron levels. People are turned away if their haemoglobin levels are too low - a protein helped created by iron that carries oxygen around the body, which will result in them having to wait at least three months before their next donation.

At a time when the national blood bank cites blood stocks are critically low[1], the number turned away equates to a possible loss of 1,557 donors, potentially almost 1,290 pints of blood. With every donation possibly saving up to three lives[2], the drop in pints could lead to a possible loss of over 4,670 lives.

Holland & Barrett is supporting the nation’s donating heroes, by offering an exclusive bundle aimed at maintaining iron and immunity levels, in hopes this will encourage more people to donate.

The H&B Blood Donor Bundle features essential nutrients that help and maintain energy, reduce tiredness and fatigue, and support overall health for just £10 for WeDonate members, compared to a cost of just under £30 when purchasing each item individually. The pack includes Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron 20mg (90 Capsules) to support red blood cell formation and haemoglobin production, Holland & Barrett ABC - Z Multivitamins & Minerals (120 Tablets), a 23-nutrient formula to support overall health, and Holland & Barrett Vitamin C 1000mg (120 Tablets), which is essential for iron absorption.

Tamara Rajah, CEO of Wellness Solutions & Transformation at Holland & Barrett said: “At H&B we’re thrilled to be supporting WeDonate to help more people donate life saving blood to the NHS. We have an aligned purpose of helping people add quality years to their life and H&B is uniquely placed to offer solutions which can support the iron levels of potential donors and reduce the number of people being turned away from donating at vital blood banks. The bundles we’ve created exclusively for WeDonate members focus on supporting both iron levels and immunity which we hope will be a small contribution to supporting WeDonate in their aim to increase blood stock.”

Stephen King, CEO WeDonate, adding: "Each blood donation has the power to save three lives, and maintaining proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is key to healthy blood. We're excited to partner with Holland & Barrett to offer a Blood Donor Bundle through the WeDonate donor celebration platform, honouring and supporting the true heroes who give the gift of life.”

In addition to taking regular supplements, Francesca Haarer, Medical Advisor at Holland & Barrett gives her top tips to giving blood:

  1. Eat your regular meals and try to include a balanced diet. Think about eating foods rich in iron, such as meat, fish, spinach, kale, nuts and seeds. You also might want to take a snack for afterwards to give you a boost, such as fruit.
  2. Drink plenty of fluid for hydration. As you will be losing liquid it’s important to stay well hydrated with water and non-sugary drinks, and it also helps the healthcare professional in finding a vein. For the same reason, it’s important not to drink alcohol before and after.
  3. Get a good rest beforehand. Aim for good quality sleep rather than staying up late to support preparation for the day of giving blood.  
  4. If you exercise, avoid vigorous exercise before and after you donate blood. It’s helpful to have your body well rested and well hydrated, so keep moving, but be gentle.
  5. Bring emotional support. Consider how you might feel while giving blood, and remember to bring emotional support, or a distraction to entertain you while you wait and give blood.
  6. Wear loose clothes. This will mean you can roll your sleeves up to above your elbow easily.

The H&Blood Donation Bundle is available online for £10 when customers sign up to the WeDonate website with a valid Donor Card number.