Is It Dangerous to Drink Blood?

Throughout history, blood has been surrounded by rituals, myths, and symbolism. In some cultures, drinking blood was practiced as part of ceremonies or survival traditions, while in popular culture, vampires consume blood for strength and immortality. But what really happens if a human drinks blood – and is it dangerous? The short answer is yes: consuming blood poses several health risks, from poisoning to infection.

What Happens in the Body When You Drink Blood?

Blood is made up of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets – each with vital functions such as oxygen transport, immunity, and clotting. Drinking blood introduces these components directly into the digestive system, where they can cause problems.

Iron Overload (Iron Poisoning)

Blood contains high levels of iron, primarily in hemoglobin. When ingested in excess, iron can accumulate in the body and become toxic. Symptoms of acute iron poisoning include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Dizziness and weakness

• Irregular heartbeat

• Organ damage (in severe cases, liver, kidneys, and heart)

Even small amounts of blood can be dangerous for children due to their lower tolerance for iron.

Bacteria and Viruses in Blood

Blood can carry infectious agents, especially if taken from humans or animals with undiagnosed conditions. Possible infections include:

• Hepatitis B and C – viruses that attack the liver

• HIV – the virus that causes AIDS

• Bacterial infections – which may lead to life-threatening sepsis

• Zoonotic diseases – such as brucellosis or bovine tuberculosis from animal blood

Unlike cooked meat, raw blood has no heat treatment to kill pathogens, making it particularly risky.

Cultural Traditions Involving Blood

In some cultures, drinking animal blood has had symbolic or nutritional value. For example:

• Certain groups in Sub-Saharan Africa consume cattle blood mixed with milk as part of traditional diets.

• Historically, Sami reindeer herders sometimes drank fresh reindeer blood during winter hardships as a source of iron and energy.

Such practices are usually tied to strict cultural knowledge and control of source animals. Still, the health risks remain, and these traditions are not without danger.

Healthier Alternatives to Blood Consumption

If the goal is nutrition – especially iron intake – there are safer options:

• Iron-rich foods: red meat, liver, spinach, beans, and lentils provide sufficient iron.

• Supplements: medically dosed iron tablets for individuals with diagnosed anemia.

• Balanced lifestyle: proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep maintain health without the risks associated with blood consumption.

Summary

While drinking blood may appear in rituals, survival practices, or fiction, it is medically unsafe. The risks include iron poisoning, bacterial infections, and transmission of serious viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. Safer alternatives exist for all potential nutritional benefits. From a medical perspective, blood is not a beverage – it is a biohazard.

Sources

1. Andrews, N. C. (2000). Disorders of iron metabolism. New England Journal of Medicine, 341(26), 1986–1995. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199912233412607

2. Klein, H. G. (2018). Blood transfusion and infectious risks. British Journal of Haematology, 182(4), 515–524. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.15400

3. World Health Organization. (2022). Hepatitis B and C. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b

4. Sharp, P. A., & Srai, S. K. (2007). Molecular mechanisms involved in intestinal iron absorption. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 13(35), 4716–4724.

5. Pappas, G., & Akritidis, N. (2006). The changing epidemiology of brucellosis in human populations. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 28(2), 117–120.