Health professionals differ over the scientific backing for the blood type diet, but the plan makes a number of recommendations in keeping with widely-held beliefs about diet and physical activity. For instance, the blood type diet recommends that everyone avoid processed foods and get some form of exercise. The specifics of the plan might work for some people, but they can cause problems for others.
Science
The blood type diet was popularized by naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo. It's based on his research into genetics, anthropology and medical history that convinced him of the connection between a person's blood type and how they digest different foods. D'Adamo says his diet plan can help people live healthier lives and ward off certain diseases because it takes into account the way they digest food proteins called lectins. While researchers have discovered links between blood type and some health conditions, many health professionals say there's not enough evidence to prove that choosing foods by blood type will have a positive impact on your health.
Diet
The blood type diet recommends a high-protein diet for people with type-O blood, a vegetarian-style diet for people with type-A blood and a broader mix of foods for people with blood types B and AB. The diet plan also makes specific recommendations about foods to avoid. While these diets might promote weight loss, restrictive diets are often harder to follow over the long term. In addition, D'Adamo's diet plan restricts people with certain blood types from eating grains and certain fruits and vegetables, which are encouraged in national food guidelines.
Weight Loss
Health professionals at the Mayo Clinic and other institutions say no sound scientific evidence indicates that the blood type diet is any better at helping people lose weight than any other diet. In fact, by eliminating whole food groups, you run the risk of eliminating important vitamins and minerals from your diet. D'Adamo sells a line of supplements he recommends for each blood type, but nutritionists say most people should be able to get all the nutrients they need by eating a well-balanced diet.
Exercise
Exercise is definitely a good thing when it comes to staying healthy and trying to lose weight, and the blood type diet recommends exercise for everyone. However, it makes specific recommendations based on a person's blood type --- not their physical condition or particular interests. It recommends intense physical activities, such as aerobics, for Type O's, calming activities such as yoga for Type A's, moderate activities such as brisk walks for Type B's and moderate isotonic activities such as swimming for Type AB's. For most people, finding an activity they enjoy is the key to maintaining an exercise routine.
References
- "Eat Right For Your Type"; Peter D'Adamo; 2001
- MayoClinic.com; "What is the Blood Type Diet?"; Katherine Zeratsky; August 2010
- Doctors of USC; "The Blood Type Diet"; Maria Adams; December 2009
- Vanderbilt University Psychology Department; "Eat Right 4 Your Type"; Courtney Sanders
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Weight -- It's Not a Diet, It's a Lifestyle
- USDA MyPlate
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