Hema-plex and screening

[labrat12]

I started taking Hema-plex after having several friends and fellow lab rats recommend it. For the people that take it regularly, how close to screening or check in do you stop taking it? I just dont want to have my labs messed up because of this pill but also need it for low iron and blood count. Any help or suggestions are always appreciated!

[labrat12]

Anyone taking it??

[pokeme2]

I've taken it up to the day before a screening but some people I know just keep taking it through screenings. Any other thoughts or experiences from anyone else?

[Scar Tissue]

You can even take it the day of screening as long as you have enough water to drink and time (about 2hours) because it makes your urine look like the color of Gatorade.

[smiling4areason]

I've been looking for this type of product. Does any one know where to purchase Hema-Plex at a chain type location that's in most cities. I searched Walgreens and WalMart online but neither showed it as a normally carried item. I'm traveling so mail can be tricky, I'd like to in store.

[carmel]

What's so great about Hema-Plex? Do all of you have low iron levels?

[smiling4areason]

As I understand it, ferritin is a protein in the body, found mostly in the spleen and liver, but also trace amounts are found in the blood. This protein binds with iron and results in increased blood production. It's logical that this would benefit us as volunteers because we constantly give blood and even though it is small amounts, it's constant. We have roughly 20 cups of blood in our body, if a clinic takes 1 cup, that's 5% of my total blood, over time it's depleting. Now I've heard that supplements like Hema-Plex actually increase total blood volume not just the regenerate of lost blood. So it seems reasonable that this additional blood would make draws easier while keeping us healthier by maintaining higher levels of available blood for our body to use as it normally would. Even without any deficiencies.

I can see a down side to this too though. Could it throw our labs off? I'm sure it could. I think it's the CBC which indicates Hemoglobin levels, if that went above range, it could be an issue. There's also some other "blood level" related labs I think could be skewed, but off the top of my head I can't think of their designations.

All and all, I think, in moderation, it would seem it could improve our ability to have blood drawn, and it warrants further scrutiny. Which brings me back to wondering where to these type products locally.

According to my last labs, I'm within range, but just slightly on the low end of hemoglobin. I'd like to be on the high end, and see if that results in my veins being "fuller" if they pop more. I draw fine for the vets, but about once every 20 draws someone still learning will go fishing, and maybe one in 50 draws a vet will have to reposition (note the difference between fishing and repositioning LOL) I'd like to cut that in half if possible. If I take the supplement, I'll watch my CBC and if it goes up AND if my veins pop more, we could conclude it's helpful.

[Scar Tissue]

Hemaplex has always been a staple for me. I tend to run on the anemic side so it definitely helps. Especially since we give so much blood. Hemaplex has the most iron I have seen in pill form (85mg) compared to the other ones.You can get it at Vitamin Shoppe.

[sparky]

i didnt know we had a bunch of salad eating women here.