Norah O’Donnell has revealed that she donates blood to help keep her iron levels down because she is a genetic carrier of a condition that runs in her family.
The former CBS Evening News anchor discussed the issue with Dr Courtney Lawrence on Healthful with Norah O’Donnell, explaining that the inherited condition can lead to higher iron levels among relatives.
O’Donnell said donating blood was one way she managed the risk, although she did not suggest that she had developed the disease itself.
Excess iron can build up in the body and damage organs including the liver and heart. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people with a family history of hereditary haemochromatosis to speak to a healthcare professional about testing.
Regular blood removal is the main treatment for people diagnosed with iron overload. NHS Blood and Transplant says some patients may be able to donate blood as part of their treatment, provided their iron levels are monitored and they meet the usual health and eligibility requirements.
The service also warns that carriers of a single faulty gene do not usually develop haemochromatosis and can generally donate at the normal interval. The frequency of donations for anyone undergoing treatment should be decided by their doctor or specialist team.
