Most people don’t spare a thought for their blood type unless they’re in need of a transfusion — but could yours hold secrets to your health?
And is one better than the others?
The short answer: No, there is no “best” blood type. But each of the four main categories — A, B, AB and O — have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Type A
The good news: Type A blood, found in about 36% of Americans, may make you less susceptible to norovirus, nicknamed the “winter vomiting disease.”
It can also make you less attractive to mosquitoes.
But there are some downsides, too. Type A blood is also linked to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
This group is also more likely to experience an early-onset ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain — and might have a harder time fighting COVID-19.
Studies have found that people with Type A are also at higher risk for gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Further research shows that those with Type A blood tend to have more cortisol, making them more prone to stress.
Type B
On the upswing, people with Type B blood are at lower risk of developing kidney stones and less likely to be bitten by ticks — a major perk if you’re outdoorsy.
Research also indicates that Type B blood may serve as a natural defense against pathogens such as smallpox and malaria.
Another blood boon? Type B blood has a significantly lower overall risk of stomach and bladder cancer, and it makes bodies less hospitable to Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria primarily responsible for stomach ulcers.
However, it’s not straight As for Type B.
Studies suggest those with Type B blood may be more susceptible to certain infections like tuberculosis and cholera, and the blood type is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease and pancreatic cancer.
There’s also a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Type B people, though the relationship is still being investigated.
Type AB
Need a blood transfusion? You’re in luck if you’re type AB+: As the universal recipient, you can safely take any type of blood.
To add to its bloody benefits, AB blood is known as “liquid gold” in trauma centers because it is the universal donor for plasma, which is commonly given to trauma, burn, and shock patients to help boost blood volume.
On the other hand, Type AB blood is linked to inflammation, which may adversely affect blood vessels.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), A, B, and AB blood types are associated with a greater risk of dangerous blood clotting and heart attack due to coronary artery disease than type O blood. Those with AB blood appear to have the highest risk.
AB blood types are also at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
In terms of cognitive function, a 2014 study published in Neurology found that people with Type AB blood were 82% more likely to develop memory and thinking problems that lead to dementia than other blood types. Experts believe this heightened risk is linked to higher levels of Factor VIII, a clotting protein.
Type O
O is the most common blood type in the United States — and O- is the universal donor, meaning this blood can be transfused to anyone.
According to the AHA, people with Type O blood have the lowest risk for heart attacks and blood clots in the legs and lungs, plus a 12% lower risk of suffering a stroke compared to other blood types.
Researchers found that people with blood type O had a 12% lower risk of suffering a stroke compared to other blood types.
This group may also be less likely to contract COVID-19 or experience severe symptoms, since people with type O blood generally have fewer clotting problems, which are linked to the severity of COVID-19.
The bad (blood) news: People with Type O blood are believed to be more susceptible to the norovirus.
They also have a higher rate of peptic ulcers and may be more prone to excessive bleeding after injury or surgery.
There are some fertility troubles, too: Studies suggest that O-type women may struggle to conceive due to a lower egg count and poorer egg quality, and they are more likely to experience pregnancy-induced hypertension and run a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
