A number of years ago, a new diet book was release called Eat Right 4 Your Type by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo.  The premise of this diet book or “study” as Dr. D’Adamo puts forth is that everyone should follow a specific type of diet which corresponds to their blood type A, B, O or AB.

Dr. D’Adamo sets forth in his book that people’s diets should be a direct reflection of their genetic makeup and specific blood type.  Based on a person’s genetics, they could be predisposed to diseases or ailments.  By eating certain foods based on their blood type, their health can be improved and mitigate some of the chances of getting an ailment or affliction later in life.  Certain foods, he postures are poisonous or downright dangerous if you have a certain blood type.  These foods can cause health issues ranging from slowing your metabolism and bloating to cancer or other serious health concerns.

Here are the specifics on the “blood type diet” Dr. D’Adamo suggests for each blood type:

A – The Vegetarian or “Agrarian”

• Has a sensitive digestive tract
• Vegetarian diet
• Tolerant immune system
• Adapts well to settled dietary and environmental conditions
• Responds best to stress with calming actions and gentle exercise
• Requires agrarian (based on agriculture) diet to stay lean and productive

B – The Nomad or “Nomadic”

• Has a tolerant digestive system
• Can tolerate the most flexible dietary choices
• Low-fat dairy, meat, produce
• Avoid wheat, corn, lentils
• Responds best to stress with creativity
• Moderate exercise
• Requires a balance between physical and mental activity to stay lean and sharp

AB – Modernized or “New Age”

• Has a sensitive digestive tract
• Avoid chicken, beef, pork
• Should eat seafood, tofu, dairy, most produce
• Responds best to stress spiritually, with physical verve and creative energy
• AB is an evolutionary mystery

O – Ancient Ones or “Old”

• Is intolerant to dietary and environmental adaptations
• Lean meats, poultry, fish
• Restrict grains, legumes
• Responds best to stress with vigorous exercise
• Requires an efficient metabolism to stay lean and energetic

One of the problems we have with this diet is the fact that the diet is broad based, not narrowly focused, nor does it take into account an individual person’s body type, family history, etc….  There is not individualization built into the diet.  What if you don’t eat or like certain foods?  What if your religion or personal beliefs restrict you from eating certain foods the diet says you should be eating to stay health?  What if you simply just don’t like the taste of the foods you are supposed to eat?  A proper diet produced by a dietitian should take all of these factors into account.

One of the odd things we noticed after reading this book was that the book oddly takes into account ethnicity.   Not to a large degree, but enough to have certain foods portioned differently, based on their racial makeup.

In the end, everyone is free to make their own choices and follow whatever diet or meal plan they wish. So, should you avoid the blood-type diet?  In our opinion, you are better off talking to a licensed dietitian or working with a personal trainer to create an individualized workout plan, based on all of your personal factors.