How to Get Protein Levels Up for Plasma Donations

Plasma donation is a simple procedure, but the results have the potential to save lives. Blood plasma contains three important proteins, including albumins, globulins and fibrinogen, that help treat clotting disorders and immune deficiency disorders. According to donatingplasma.org, plasma proteins also help treat patients who have been burned, have undergone organ transplant or are undergoing dialysis.

How to Get Protein Levels Up for Plasma Donations (Image: istetiana/Moment/GettyImages)

Plasma Donation Process

Plasma donation is similar to giving blood. Through a process called plasmapheresis, an IV is placed in your arm, and blood is pumped out into a machine that removes the plasma from the rest of your blood. Red blood cells and platelets are then returned to your bloodstream.

Plasma Donation Protein Level

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in order to be eligible to donate plasma, blood protein levels must be within 6.0 to 9.0 grams per deciliter. You can help avoid a low-protein blood test by including high-protein foods in your daily diet. Harvard Health Publishing states that the Recommended Dietary Allowance, or RDA, for protein intake is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For a 150-pound person, this equals 54 grams of protein. However, up to twice the RDA might be beneficial for people who live active lifestyles.

Animal Sources of Protein

Red meat is an excellent food source to increase protein level in blood. Eighty percent lean ground beef offers 19 grams of protein in a 4-ounce serving, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, red meat can often be high in saturated fat, which has been shown to contribute to cardiovascular disease. When eating red meat, choose leaner cuts such as sirloin or filet mignon, or trim visible fat before consuming. You can also use 93 percent lean ground beef as a healthier option.

Pork is also a good source of protein, providing 26 grams in a 3.5-ounce serving. Poultry and fish are also high-protein foods. Four ounces of chicken breast packs 26 grams of protein. Tuna fish provides 16 grams of protein in a 2.5-ounce serving.

Eggs and Dairy

One large egg provides 6 grams of protein, according to the USDA. Dairy products are another good source of protein. For example, a 1/2-cup serving of cottage cheese contains 11 grams of protein. If you're concerned about the amount of fat in your diet, choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products as foods to eat before donating plasma.

Read more: The Best Low-Fat Cheeses

Plant-Based Protein

Even if you don't eat meat or animal products, you can still boost your protein intake prior to plasma donation by consuming plant products. For example, one cup of soybeans provides 22 grams of protein according to the USDA. Other plant-based protein sources include edamame, tofu, beans, nuts, seeds, potatoes and dark leafy greens.

Other Protein Products

If you need a convenient on-the-go option to up your protein, consider protein bars or prepackaged protein shakes. You can also make your own shakes with protein powder. Whey and casein protein powders are derived from milk products. If you have a dairy sensitivity, consider pea or soy protein sources.

Read More: 8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Protein Powder