Tag: Plasmapheresis

According to several sources, the body can burn between 450 and 650 calories per plasma donation session. While this is a surprising fact, it is essential to understand that this calorie expenditure is a metabolic side effect, not an intentional weight loss strategy, when you lose calories when giving plasma.

According to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Refsum disease is a metabolic disorder caused by faulty genes that impair the ability to metabolize phytanic acid, a fat found in certain foods, which then accumulates to toxic levels in the body. Managing and reducing phytanic acid is a critical concern for those with this rare genetic condition.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a standard plasma donation involves the return of red blood cells and platelets to the donor, accompanied by a sterile saline solution. This is done to help the donor's body maintain circulation and to compensate for the fluid volume lost during the plasmapheresis process.

Studies have shown that regular plasma donors tend to have slightly lower mean serum protein levels compared to non-donors. This is because plasma contains crucial proteins, and the process of donating can temporarily cause your protein to be low, though the body is equipped to recover if proper protocols are followed.