With our nutrition expert, Brennan J. Robertson Ask Brennan J. Robertson a question about nutrition Question Archive How beneficial is the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet? Brennan J. Robertson's Response

Although Dr. D'Adamo's book is a bestseller and his diet plan has attracted a high number of followers since its 1997 debut, there is no credible scientific data to support his claim that a person should base their diet plan on their blood type. At present, no clinical trial can verify that ABO blood typing is the most important factor in determining a healthy diet.

D'Adamo, a naturopath himself, bases his diet program on the idea that a type of food proteins called lectins will react differently with each ABO blood type. According to D'Adamo, if you are type O you are believed to be a "hunter" and should enjoy a diet rich in meat. Those who are type A are believed to be "cultivators" and should stick with a mostly vegetarian diet. Those that are type B are believed to be "nomads" and can tolerate dairy. And those that are type AB are the "enigma" and should embrace a diet that blends together foods found in the recommended diets for types A and B.

D'Adamo roots this separation of food groups on the evolution of blood type (where O is considered the oldest and AB the newest) and the historical food acquisition behaviours associated with each type's origin. This method of classification also lacks credible research and evidence. Further, the labelling of foods being either "beneficials," "neutrals," or "avoids" appears to be based entirely on his general theory and not documented research.

As no studies have been conducted on those who faithfully follow the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet, it remains unclear what long-term effects (either positive or negative) this type of diet has on weight management and overall health.

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Nutrition Question Archives

A friend told me that a vitamin D supplement will help in avoiding the winter blues. Is this true? Are bananas fattening? Are pineapples high in calories? Are there any foods I should be eating more of to ward off the common cold? Can you explain to me the difference between "good" carbs and "bad" carbs? Do fruits and vegetables have protein? Hello Brennan! I have type 2 diabetes, and I'm wondering if all the hype about vitamin supplementation is in fact beneficial for my condition? I am a student on a low budget. How can I eat healthy? I currently take a water pill daily and I am concerned about the amount of potassium my body is losing as a result of taking this pill. What fruits and vegetables with high levels of potassium should I be eating more of to offset this loss? I have been considering the benefits of a dietary detox. What can you tell me about body cleanses? I have known about the benefits of drinking gogi juice but just recently heard of the açai berry. What is it and how would it benefit my health? I want to start taking an omega-3 supplement as I don't like fish. You had recommended one with a high EPA. How high should I go, and can you recommend a brand? I'm new to supplements! Is honey a good substitute for sugar for a person with diabetes? My daughter has colitis and has been advised to follow a low-fibre diet. Which foods should she eat and which should she avoid? My New Year's resolution is to take better care of my body. Is there anything you can suggest to kick start a year of healthy living? My sister has liver disease. Is there a certain diet she should follow? My son has been drinking a juice that claims to be loaded with adaptogens. What are adaptogens and are they safe to take? What are good dietary sources of Vitamin D? What are probiotics and should I be taking them regularly? What exercises will help me build upper arms after losing 20 pounds over one year? I golf and bike from April to November, then walk every day during the inclement weather. What foods are good for someone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and which foods should be avoided? What is organic produce and is it more nutritious than conventional produce?

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