Typically, individuals do not pay much attention to their blood type unless they are donating blood, filling out medical paperwork, or in the midst of a health crisis.
I personally have no idea what my blood type is, but I’m now interested in discovering it. Those letters – A, B, AB, or O – can subtly affect how our bodies handle diseases, stress, infections, and even environmental influences like insect interactions.
If you’re wondering ‘which blood type is the best?’ – a question I never thought I’d find myself asking – the truth is that no type is superior. Instead, each blood group carries its own set of strengths and weaknesses, or rather, susceptibilities, determined by how blood functions with the immune system, clotting factors, and disease mechanisms.
Studies have associated blood types with a range of health concerns, from heart disease to vulnerability to viruses and specific cancers. Certain blood types might offer natural defenses against specific infections, while others could increase the chance of inflammation or blood clotting.
This topic is steeped in scientific research, so let’s delve into how the four primary blood types compare in terms of health impacts.
Individuals with Type A blood may have some protection against norovirus, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Interestingly, mosquitoes are less likely to be drawn to people with this blood type. However, this type is linked with higher levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, raising the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases.
Research indicates a connection to early-onset ischemic stroke, more severe Covid-19 symptoms, and an increased risk of gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Additionally, higher cortisol levels in type A individuals suggest a greater vulnerability to stress.
People with type B blood are less prone to kidney stones and tend to be less attractive to ticks. Furthermore, studies indicate this blood type might offer some resistance against smallpox and malaria.
It is associated with a reduced risk of stomach and bladder cancer and less susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for most stomach ulcers. However, type B blood is linked to a heightened risk of heart disease, pancreatic cancer, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and infections like tuberculosis and cholera.
Next, those with type AB+ blood are universal recipients, meaning they can receive blood from any group, and their plasma is highly valued in trauma care for its universal compatibility.
However, AB blood is associated with increased inflammation, higher clotting risk, heart disease, pancreatic cancer, and a notably higher chance of cognitive issues related to dementia.
Lastly, type O is the most prevalent blood type, with O- being the universal donor in emergencies.
It is linked with the lowest risk of heart attacks, blood clots, strokes, and potentially milder COVID-19 symptoms.
The drawbacks include greater susceptibility to norovirus, peptic ulcers, excessive bleeding, and certain fertility and pregnancy complications.
There’s always something new to learn!