Biggest advantages of each blood type and what it means for your health

Most people don’t give their blood type much thought unless they’re donating blood, filling out hospital paperwork, or facing a medical emergency.

In fact, I don't have a Scooby what my blood type is... although, I'm now keen to learn it because those letters - A, B, AB or O - may quietly influence how our body responds to illness, stress, infections, and even environmental factors like insects.

While you're probably sat there thinking 'which blood type is the best?' - something I never thought I'd ever type - the answer is none. Instead, each group comes with its own mix of advantages and disadvantages - or really, vulnerabilities - shaped by how blood interacts with the immune system, clotting proteins, and disease pathways.

Researchers have linked blood types to everything from heart disease risk to susceptibility to viruses and certain cancers. While some types appear to offer natural protection against specific pathogens, others may raise the likelihood of inflammation or clotting.

Yes, it's all very scientific, so without further ado, here’s how the four main blood types compare when it comes to health.

The majority of us only realize what blood type we have when the doctors tell us (Getty stock)

Type A

Type A blood may offer protection against norovirus - which for those that haven't experienced it, it causes vomiting and diarrhea. Mosquitoes seem less attracted to people with this blood type. However, it is also associated with higher levels of 'bad' cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

Studies link it to early-onset ischemic stroke, more severe Covid-19 outcomes, and a higher risk of gastric and pancreatic cancers.

Meanwhile, elevated cortisol levels also suggest people with type A may be more prone to stress.

Type B

Then there's the people with type B blood - they are less likely to develop kidney stones and tend to attract fewer ticks. On top of this, research suggests this blood type may provide some defense against smallpox and malaria.

It’s also linked to a lower risk of stomach and bladder cancer and reduced susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori - the bacteria behind most stomach ulcers. On the flip side, type B blood has been associated with higher risks of heart disease, pancreatic cancer, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and infections like tuberculosis and cholera.

Depending on what blood type you have could mean all sorts about the likelihood you are to catch certain diseases (Getty stock)

Type AB

On to type AB+ individuals. They are universal recipients, meaning they can safely receive blood from any group, and their plasma is often called 'liquid gold' in trauma care because it can be given to anyone.

However, AB blood is linked to increased inflammation, higher clotting risk, heart disease, pancreatic cancer, and a significantly higher likelihood of memory and thinking problems tied to dementia.

Type O

Finally, type O is the most common blood type, with O- (minus) serving as the universal donor for emergencies.

It’s associated with the lowest risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes, and possibly milder COVID-19 symptoms.

Downsides include higher susceptibility to norovirus, peptic ulcers, excessive bleeding, and certain fertility and pregnancy complications.

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