![]() While blood type can raise people’s risk for certain conditions, it could also lower their risk for others: Individuals with type O blood are less likely to have type 2 diabetes but more likely to suffer from fertility issues, such as a “ diminished ovarian reserve ,” which is when the ovaries lose reproductive potential. And people with type A blood are more likely to have relatively high cholesterol levels, which have been associated with certain types of dementia. It has been found that type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Since scientists highlighted an association between type A blood and gastric cancer in 1953, studies have identified plenty of other possible connections.įor example, it is now thought that people with blood types A, B and AB are over 80 percent more likely to develop memory and cognition problems, which could stem in part from their increased odds of related health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. The Information in Our AntigensĪs it turns out, major organs like the brain, ovaries and heart can be predisposed to behave differently depending on one’s blood type. Overall, there are eight typical blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, and AB. Red blood cells also have a protein called the Rh factor, and its presence indicates a positive blood type while its absence denotes a negative blood type. The four major blood groups are determined by the presence (or lack thereof) of A and B antigens, according to the American Red Cross. Here’s why: Blood types are determined by antigens, which are a type of protein on red blood cells. His work has since significantly improved the safety of blood infusions, which must be matched carefully to avoid a harmful immune response. That changed in 1901 biologist Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood type system, earning him the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine in 1930. Up until the last century, doctors weren’t even aware of these important classifications. However, research suggests that blood types are worth paying attention to and can affect factors like organ function and disease risk. Most people rarely need to think about it outside of emergency blood transfusions or donations. While blood types are often overlooked factors in our overall health - only 66 percent of Americans reported knowing their blood type in a 2019 CBS News poll - they may have more weight than scientists previously realized.
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