Understanding the Link Between Your Blood Type and Health

Understanding the Link Between Your Blood Type and Health

Your blood type is something most people learn early in life, often in a medical setting or when donating blood. But beyond transfusions, many people wonder whether their blood type can influence their overall health. While some claims are exaggerated, scientific research does suggest that blood type may be linked to certain health risks and protections.

Here’s what current evidence shows — and what it doesn’t.

What Are Blood Types?

Blood types are determined by antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The main systems are:

• ABO system: A, B, AB, and O
• Rh factor: Positive (+) or Negative (−)

These markers are genetically inherited and remain the same throughout life.