Background

The blood type diet is a diet based on the belief that people with certain blood types are more prone to particular diseases or conditions. Practitioners suggest that a diet based on a person's blood type can reduce the risk of getting these diseases and conditions. The diet was created by Peter D'Adamo, ND, and popularized in his book called "Eat Right 4 Your Type."

The blood type diet is used to prevent pain and swelling (inflammation), metabolic problems, weight gain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

There isn't enough reliable information to know if the blood type diet is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if the blood type diet is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate or safe use of blood type diet depends on several factors. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this diet.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

People who promote the blood type diet believe that blood types influence how the body handles food. Blood type is said to be a part of a person's biological heritage. Proponents believe that some blood types are more prone to certain diseases or conditions. They suggest that eating a special diet based on blood type can decrease the risk of these conditions.

Blood type diet proponents pay special attention to dietary lectins. Lectins are a family of proteins found in foods. The theory is that people with certain blood types could respond badly to lectins, resulting in disturbed metabolism, inflammation, and weight gain.

Blood type A people are said to be "slow oxidizers." They are able to consume more carbohydrate than others, but should avoid red meat and dairy because lectins in these foods could be problematic.

Blood type B people are said to be "fast oxidizers." They are supposed to avoid lectins in corn and wheat products.

Blood type AB people are "slow oxidizers," but unlike blood type A people, they can sometimes tolerate dairy products, without adverse effects.

Blood type O people are "fast oxidizers." They can tolerate red meat, but should consume fewer carbohydrates and should avoid wheat. Lectins from wheat in this group can cause high insulin levels and lead to disturbed metabolism.

However, science has neither confirmed these theories nor any link between blood type, diet, and disease prevention.