Is there a diet for a particular blood group? Do blood types; A, B, or O, chemically interact with particular nutrients in food? And do specific foods for particular blood types get easily digested, aid in weight loss, and help prevent diseases? These are the inquiries made over the years concerning this diet.

A blood type diet is a plan that assumes specific dietary recommendations based on one’s blood group and limits consumers to eating foods that are harmonious with their blood type. These diets have been in existence for more than two decades now. This idea was created by naturopath physician, Dr Peter J.D A’demo in the year 1996. In his book ‘’eat right for your type’’ he claims that there are diets and exercise regimens based on blood group systems. These diets are endorsed as programs to ensure adequate digestion, facilitate weight loss, and improve health.

Blood type diet Plate

Dr Peter claims that each blood type represents genetic traits of our ancestors, including which diet they evolved to flourish. He outlines that each blood group should eat as below; 

Type A: ”Agrarian or cultivator diet”. Eat a meat-free diet rich in plants closely resembling a vegetarian diet.

Type B: Nomad diet. Eat plants, dairy and most meats except chicken and pork. Avoid wheat, corn, lentils, tomatoes, and a few other foods.

Type AB: Enigma diet. Made of types A and B. Includes; seafood, tofu, dairy, beans, and grains. Avoid kidney beans, corn, beef, and chicken.

Type O: Hunter Diet. A high-protein diet encompassing meat, fish, poultry, certain fruits, and vegetable. Limited in grains, legumes, and dairy.

Dr Peter also claims that Yoga and Ti Chi are good exercises for Type A and aerobics like jogging and biking are good for type Os. 

The scientific evidence behind Blood type diets is negligible.

Research shows the increased vulnerability of certain blood types to particular diseases e.g the ABO association with Pancreatic Ca, venous thromboembolism and myocardial infarction. However, there is also no evidence that adherence to blood type diets will provide health benefits. Advertised health benefits are therefore theoretical and not supported by scientific evidence.

Despite blood type diets prompting some level of efficiency by omitting the majority of unhealthy processed foods from people’s diet, they do not address particular health conditions and following a particular pattern may also risk the consumer to nutrient deficiencies. 

Argwings Chagwira Muliro–The writer is a nutrition and wellness professional who is focused on conducting detailed nutrition consultations and creating personalized meal plans to meet the needs of his clients | am.chagwira@gmail.com