Master - Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong, Endocrinology specialist - Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, said that many people still think that blood type AB is a rare blood type. However, in reality, if only considering the ABO system, it is not entirely like that. According to statistics, in Vietnam, blood type AB only accounts for about 3-5% of the population. Compared to other blood types such as O, A, B, this rate is lower. However, to be classified as a rare blood type according to international standards, that rate must be less than 0,1%. Therefore, blood type AB is not considered a rare blood type.
Rare blood types are rarely used for cases of the ABO blood group system, but instead are used for other blood groups such as Rhesus (Rh), especially Rh (-), because in Vietnam, the rate of people with Rh (-) is only 0,04-0,07%, meaning that out of 10.000 people, only 4-7 people have Rh (-).
People who possess both AB and Rh (-) blood types are extremely rare (
Health characteristics of people with blood type AB
According to Dr. Phuong, studies have shown some distinct health characteristics of people with blood type AB. People with blood types AB, A, and B have a higher risk of venous thrombosis than people with blood type O due to higher levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Pancreatic cancer appears to be more common in people with blood types A, AB, or B than in people with blood type 0.
People with blood type AB are more susceptible to norovirus infection than people with blood type O. The virus causes gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
Research from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Yale University (USA) measured the amount of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the blood. High FSH levels make it more difficult to conceive. Women with blood type AB have less FSH, so women with this blood type have an easier time conceiving.
In addition, according to studies, people with blood type AB are susceptible to allergies to nuts, seafood, eggs, milk and gluten.
Blood type AB and blood transfusion
Blood group AB has antigens A and B, no anti-A and anti-B antibodies, so blood group AB can receive blood from all other blood groups such as A, B, O without experiencing a transfusion reaction. However, because of that, blood group AB can only donate blood to people of the same group.
Especially for people with rare blood type AB Rh (-) who need urgent blood transfusion or have an accident with blood loss or undergo emergency surgery, not all hospitals have a reserve source of Rh (-) blood.
“Therefore, people with AB Rh(-) blood type in particular or people with Rh(-) blood type in general including A Rh(-), B Rh(-), O Rh(-) should actively take care of themselves and send blood to the blood bank in case of need. If possible, join a group of people with rare blood types to help each other when needed,” Dr. Phuong recommends.
Sources: https://thanhnien.vn/nhom-mau-ab-de-thu-thai-hon-nhung-cung-de-mac-benh-185241010164729082.htm