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Home » Diets that Work » What is the Blood Type Diet and does it work? – ABC News

The Blood Type Diet is based on the theory that the body interacts with foods differently according to your blood type.

Naturopath Peter D'Adamo created the diet in the mid-1990s, claiming many foods have sugar-binding proteins called lectins.

If these are incompatible with your blood group, blood cells may clump together and cause havoc in various parts of the body.

The Blood Type Diet claims these 'interactions' can cause digestive issues, weight gain, fatigue and interfere with the body's immune system.

It also claims if you eat foods that gel with your blood type, you'll shed the extra kilos, prevent disease and feel great.

Kilojoule-counting is considered unnecessary, with claims that as long as you eat the right foods for you, weight loss should come naturally.

Type O: Claimed to be the ancestral blood group for humans, those with Type O are supposed to follow a Paleo-style diet featuring meat, fish, poultry and vegetables. Most grains and legumes, as well as dairy products, potatoes, corn, cabbage, cauliflower and coffee are out.

Type A: With claims this blood group evolved when humans adopted an agricultural lifestyle, Type A are prescribed a low-fat vegetarian diet featuring organically grown vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and soy-based products. No dairy products or bananas are allowed.

Type B: Claimed to have descended from nomadic tribes, Type B are supposed to eat some meat (but not poultry), plus eggs, vegetables and dairy products. No corn, lentils, wheat, tomatoes, peanuts, sesame seeds or coffee are permitted.

Type AB: These relatively rare individuals claimed to represent the most recent blood group can enjoy an omnivorous diet including tofu, seafood, dairy products, some grains, fruit and green vegetables. They should avoid caffeine, alcohol and any smoked or preserved meats.

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Peter D'Adamo created a brand of expensive supplements around his specialty diet.

However, since scientific evidence does not support the claims of this diet, you are likely wasting your money.

There are no studies backing up the claimed link between weight and blood type and no research that shows lectins react differently with various blood types.

There are also no clinical trials studies where humans are assigned into groups with the aim of testing the effect of the diet.

One study has reported that following a diet similar to the one recommended for Type A did lead to lower weight and also reduced several risk factors for heart disease however, these benefits occurred whatever the person's blood group.

A positive aspect of this diet is that it does recommend regular exercise.

Good food should be easy and keeping things simple will help you make better choices.

The food restrictions imposed for the most common blood groups (A, B, and O) are also likely to reduce overall kilojoule intake and thus may lead to weight loss.

However, the many foods restricted in this diet means following it is likely to leave you lacking important nutrients.

There are cheaper, safer and more evidence-based ways to change your diet to lose weight and improve health.

Remember to consult your doctor before starting any new eating plan if you have an underlying health condition or history of an eating disorder.

This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.

This story, which was originally written by Pamela Wilson and published by ABC Health and Wellbeing, has been reviewed by Dr Rosemary Stanton OAM, nutritionist and visiting fellow, School of Medical Sciences, University of NSW, and updated in 2019.

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What is the Blood Type Diet and does it work? - ABC News

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Home » Diets that Work » What is the Blood Type Diet and does it work? – ABC News