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Ever heard about eating according to your blood type? Well, scientists say it’s bunk

Ever heard about eating according to your blood type? Well, scientists say it’s bunk

Much has been written in over the past few years about eating according to ones blood type, whether that be A, B, AB or O. The theory was popularized in 1996 by author Peter D'Adamo who wrote Eat Right 4 Your Type which sold more than 7 million copies.

But a recent Belgian review of previous studies, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.

"I know of no plausible rationale behind the diet," medical researcher John Foreyt, who was not involved in the study, tells WebMD.

Also see: Does this diet help protect brain power?

A number of naturopath doctors and alternative medicine advocates suggest that certain foods should be eaten, and others avoided, according to what blood type you have. They also believe that your blood type makes you susceptible to certain illnesses and determines how you should exercise. These beliefs are also commonly held in certain parts of Asia.

In order for the Belgian researchers to discredit this theory, which they claim never had merit to begin with, they analyzed 1,415 clinical trials, reviews and studies. They only found one study relevant to the topic, considered strong enough to be included in an analysis because it was a randomized controlled trial.

"Until a study has been performed which recruits people with a certain blood type who have adhered to the diet, compared with those of the same blood type who have not adhered to the diet, and the incidence of disease/measurement of health can be assessed, then the health effects of a blood type diet are not proven," lead researcher Dr. Philippe Vandekerckhove from the Belgian Red Cross tells Reuters.

Also see: Dieting can actually increase unhealthy cravings

Beth Warren, a registered dietician in New York City who was not involved in the study, concurs.

"Currently, there is no evidence to support that ‘Blood Type Diets' have any effect on positively benefiting your health," says Warren.

What are your thoughts on the blood type diet? Have you every tried it? Would you?