Can O Positive Blood Eat Chicken? Separating Myth from Fact

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite popular claims from the blood type diet, there is no scientific evidence that a person's blood type, including O positive, dictates whether they should eat chicken. Instead, dietary choices like consuming chicken should be based on established nutritional science, individual health needs, and personal preferences.

Quick Summary

The blood type diet, which controversially suggests that blood type O should limit chicken, lacks scientific validation. Mainstream nutritional science confirms that chicken is a healthy protein source suitable for most people. An individual's overall health and dietary needs are the key factors for meal choices.

Key Points

Blood type diet is pseudoscience: The theory behind the blood type diet, including its claims about O positive blood, lacks scientific evidence.
Chicken is a healthy protein source: As a source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals, chicken is beneficial for most people and supports muscle growth and weight management.
O positive can eat chicken: There is no medically valid reason for someone with O positive blood to avoid chicken, as their blood type does not dictate their nutritional needs.
Individual health is key: Dietary choices should be based on factors like allergies, overall health goals, and personal preferences, not blood type.
Improvements from healthier habits: Any positive health outcomes from following the blood type diet are most likely a result of eating more whole, unprocessed foods and are not linked to blood type restrictions.

The question of whether specific blood types should eat certain foods stems from a diet popularized by naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo in his 1996 book, Eat Right 4 Your Type. This theory proposes that different blood types, such as O, A, B, and AB, require different foods for optimal health based on supposed ancestral eating patterns. However, this theory has been largely dismissed by the scientific community. The recommendations for those with O positive blood regarding chicken are particularly without scientific backing.

The Theory Behind the O Positive Blood Type Diet

D'Adamo's theory labels type O individuals as "Hunters," suggesting they benefit from a high-protein, meat-focused diet. While lean meats like chicken might seem to fit this, the diet's specific recommendations for chicken for type O vary, sometimes listed as neutral and other times advised against. The diet's rationale often centers on the idea that certain food proteins called lectins are harmful to specific blood types, a concept not supported by research.

Scientific Consensus on Blood Type Diets

The scientific and medical communities widely regard the blood type diet as pseudoscience. Extensive research has found no credible evidence linking ABO blood type to dietary needs or health outcomes.

Systematic Review (2013): A significant review in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no scientific basis for the blood type diet's claims or any health benefits from following it.
Population Study (2014): University of Toronto researchers observed that any health improvements seen in people on 'blood type' diets were not related to their blood type but rather to adopting healthier overall eating patterns.
Physicians Committee (2020): A study showed that a vegan diet yielded similar cardiometabolic health benefits across all blood types, further indicating that blood type does not determine dietary effectiveness.

The Nutritional Benefits of Chicken for Everyone

Chicken is a nutritious food that can be a healthy part of most diets, regardless of blood type.

Nutritional Advantages of Chicken:

High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair.
Weight Management: Protein promotes fullness, which can help control calorie intake.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Contains B vitamins (B6, B12), niacin, phosphorus, and selenium, supporting various bodily functions.
Heart-Healthy Option: Lean, skinless chicken is lower in saturated fat than many red meats.

Comparison: Chicken vs. Other Protein Sources


Feature	Lean Chicken Breast	Red Meat (e.g., Beef)	Plant-Based Protein (e.g., Legumes)
Protein Quality	Complete protein with essential amino acids.	Complete protein.	May need combining to be complete; rich in protein.
Saturated Fat	Lower, especially skinless.	Often higher.	Generally very low.
Vitamins & Minerals	Good source of B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus.	Rich in iron and B12.	Rich in fiber, iron, folate.
Digestibility	Generally easy to digest.	Can be harder for some.	May cause issues for sensitive individuals.
Dietary Suitability	Suitable for many diets.	Moderation advised due to fat.	Excellent for vegetarian/vegan diets.

Health Considerations Beyond Blood Type

Instead of focusing on blood type, dietary decisions should be based on real health factors like existing conditions, allergies, and lifestyle. For instance, someone with high cholesterol might prefer lean chicken, while someone with gout might need to limit it. A registered dietitian can provide tailored advice based on scientific evidence and individual needs.

Conclusion: Eat Based on Science, Not Blood Type

To conclude, the notion that people with O positive blood should avoid chicken is based on a scientifically unproven diet theory. Research indicates that chicken is a healthy source of protein and nutrients suitable for most individuals, regardless of blood type. Any health benefits experienced on a blood type diet are likely due to general healthier eating, not blood type-specific restrictions. For informed dietary choices, consult with a healthcare professional to align with proven nutritional science and your specific health requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a wide body of scientific evidence, including a systematic review in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has debunked the claims of the blood type diet. Research has shown no connection between blood type and optimal dietary needs.

Yes, chicken is widely recognized as a healthy food for most people. It provides high-quality lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that support muscle development, immune function, and overall health.

The diet's creator, Peter D'Adamo, theorized that different blood types evolved from different ancestral eating habits and that certain food proteins, called lectins, are incompatible with some blood types. However, this theory is not scientifically supported.

You might lose weight on a blood type diet, but not because of your blood type. Any weight loss is likely due to the diet's general emphasis on eating more whole foods and fewer processed ones, which is a common factor in many successful diets.

The best approach is to focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, tailored to your individual health needs and goals. Consulting a registered dietitian or doctor is recommended for personalized advice.

Yes, following the diet could lead to unnecessary nutritional restrictions, potentially causing deficiencies. For instance, the type O diet's recommendation to limit dairy could lead to a lack of calcium.

Any improved well-being is most likely a placebo effect or the result of overall healthier eating patterns. When people focus on consuming more whole foods and less processed junk, they often experience positive health changes, irrespective of their blood type.