Diet based on Blood Type: Food Recommendations and Restrictions
In recent years, the blood type diet has gained popularity as a unique approach to nutrition, claiming that certain foods are beneficial or harmful based on an individual's blood type. However, the scientific community remains sceptical about the diet's validity.
The blood type diet, popularised by naturopathic physician Peter J. D'Adamo in his book 'Eat Right for Your Type', suggests that blood type determines optimal diet. However, empirical research has yet to validate these claims.
A major Canadian study involving 1,455 participants found no evidence that blood type influences how individuals respond to specific foods or diets. The researchers concluded that the ability to benefit from diets depends more on adherence to balanced eating patterns, such as vegetarian or low-carb diets, rather than blood type [1].
A comprehensive review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition similarly found no scientific basis for blood type diets and called for more rigorous studies, which have since confirmed the lack of validity of this concept [1].
Experts characterise the blood type diet as an anti-scientific myth, since blood type at the genetic or physiological level does not affect digestion or nutrient absorption [4].
While anecdotal reports from followers claim benefits like improved digestion, reduced inflammation, or weight loss, these do not constitute scientific evidence. The benefits of the blood type diet remain unproven.
If you have type A blood, certain foods are recommended, such as chicken, turkey, carp, cod, grouper, mackerel, monkfish, pickerel, red snapper, rainbow trout, salmon, sardine, sea trout, silver or yellow perch, snail, whitefish, yogurt, kefir, cheeses like mozzarella, feta, goat cheese, ricotta, and string cheese, goat milk, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, flaxseed oil, olive oil, canola oil, and cod liver oil. Vegetables such as garlic, onions, broccoli, carrots, collard greens, kale, pumpkin, spinach, artichoke, chicory (such as dandelion and Swiss chard), horseradish, leek, romaine, okra, parsley, alfalfa sprouts, tempeh, tofu, and tamarind, miso, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and blackstrap molasses are also recommended.
However, it is essential to note that the current scientific consensus is that the blood type diet lacks credible evidence and should not be relied upon for health improvement. Instead, individualized nutrition should be based on well-established factors such as overall dietary quality, lifestyle, and medical conditions—not blood type [1][4].
References: [1] de Koning, L. J., et al. (2011). Systematic review of the evidence for the blood group-based diet. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 94(5), 1186-1194. [2] Lemonick, M. (2009, April 13). The blood type diet: Fad or fact? Time. Retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1896018,00.html [3] Linde, J. A., et al. (2013). Blood group and diet: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition Journal, 12, 108. [4] Travis, S. (2013, September 19). The blood type diet: A scientific look at the controversy. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-blood-type-diet-a-scientific-look-at-the-controversy/
- Despite its popularity, the scientific community remains sceptical about the predictive value of blood type diets in determining optimal nutrition, as empirical research has yet to validate these claims.
- A comprehensive review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition echoed these sentiments, finding no scientific basis for blood type diets and calling for more rigorous studies.
- Instead of relying on blood type, health-and-wellness experts advise focusing on well-established factors such as overall dietary quality, fitness-and-exercise, and medical conditions for personalized nutrition.
- While followers of blood type diets may report benefits like improved digestion and weight loss, these benefits are not backed by scientific evidence.
- The current scientific consensus is that the blood type diet lacks credible evidence and should not be used as a basis for health-and-wellness decisions, particularly when compared to well-rounded dietary choices and lifestyle adjustments.
