The blood group is characterized by the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of the red blood cells. It is sought to determine blood compatibility between individuals, especially when a blood transfusion or if an organ transplant is necessary, as well as in the early pregnancy. In recent years, the blood group has also been associated with various health characteristics.
According to the results of a study by Japanese researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at Keio University in Tokyo, one of the four blood groups would promote longevity. To achieve this conclusion, scientists compared the blood groups of 2,69 centenarians aged 100 to 109 living in Tokyo and 7,153 witnesses of all ages living in the same region. They realized that the people who belonged to group B lived longer than the others. However, the study does not explain why the B blood group B is associated with better longevity. It seems obvious that other factors come into account such as genetics, lifestyle, environment or food.
For Dr. Christophe de Jaeger, a gerontologist and researcher specializing in aging, no blood group is capable of slowing aging, at least it is not scientifically recognized. “Japanese researchers simply observed that there were more carriers of the blood group B among the centenary people. There is a over-representation of group B but the study concludes by saying that it is not really known if it is an epiphenomenon, that is to say if it is linked to chance, or if there are deeper reasons”he informs.
According to him, the blood group that could be suspected of promoting longevity is group O because it has a genetic anomaly which affects a factor of coagulation which is called the von Willband factor. “Certain subjects have a strong deficiency of this factor, which means that they will have a severe hemorrhagic risk throughout their life, which is obviously not good for longevity. Other people have a minimal deficit which corresponds just to an anti -aging effect. This characteristic can have an interest since cardiovascular diseases represent the first cause of mortality and they are sensitive to anticoagulation”develops the gerontologist doctor. Anyway, it is not because we are from the B blood group B that we will necessarily be a centenary.
Thank you to Dr. Christophe de Jaeger, doctor’s doctor and researcher specializing in aging, author of aging well without drugs from 40 years old (ed. Seeking noon).
