Platelet donation and gluten

[kberry01529]

Hi there I am a regular platelet donor. During the process calcium citrate is used. Lately I have been having bad stomach and bowel problems after donating. I am very gluten sensitive (my sister is celiac). Could the calcium citrate be something gluten free people should steer clear of? 

[Scott Adams]

I don't believe that it would contain any gluten in an IV form, but possibly in a pill form. I know that magnesium citrate causes me IBS-like symptoms, so I wonder if calcium citrate could do the same?

[trents]

How is the calcium citrate administered during the donation process? Orally? Injected?

 

Calcium citrate side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have: little or no urination; swelling, rapid weight gain; or high levels of calcium in your blood--nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, lack of energy, or feeling tired.

 

Common side effects may include:

upset stomach; or constipation.

From: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/calcium-citrate.html#:~:text=What is calcium citrate%3F,and to treat calcium deficiencies.

 

Maybe you should get your serum calcium levels checked.

 

Edited August 13, 2020 by trents