Diet for A+ Blood Type: What can A+ blood eat?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

The blood type diet, first popularized by Dr. Peter D'Adamo in his 1996 book, Eat Right 4 Your Type, suggests that people with type A blood thrive on a predominantly vegetarian diet due to lower stomach acid levels. This approach claims to optimize health by aligning food choices with one's genetic makeup, with a focus on what can A+ blood eat for better digestion and overall wellness. However, it is important to note that the scientific community remains skeptical about the efficacy of blood type diets, and there is no conclusive research to support the theory.

Quick Summary

The A+ blood type diet theory recommends focusing on a mostly vegetarian diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. It advises limiting or avoiding red meat, processed foods, and certain dairy products, based on the belief that those with type A blood have a sensitive immune system and lower stomach acid.

Key Points

Embrace a plant-based diet: The A+ diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, mirroring many healthful dietary patterns.
Prioritize specific protein sources: Recommended protein options include soy products, legumes, nuts, and cold-water fish, with very limited intake of poultry.
Limit or avoid red meat and most dairy: Red meat and cow's milk are generally advised against, though small amounts of goat milk or kefir may be tolerated.
Choose specific whole grains and healthy fats: Opt for whole grains like spelt and quinoa, and use olive oil as a primary fat source.
Scientific evidence is limited: While the diet promotes healthy habits, a strong scientific link between blood type and optimal diet has not been established.
Consult a professional: Before making significant dietary changes, especially for a restrictive diet, consulting a healthcare provider or registered dietitian is highly recommended.

Understanding the A+ Blood Type Diet

For those following the blood type diet theory, the recommendations for the A+ blood type often suggest a focus on plant-based and vegetarian foods. This is based on the idea that individuals with this blood type, believed to be linked to early agricultural societies, may have lower stomach acid levels, which could affect the digestion of animal proteins and fats. The diet encourages organic and fresh options. While the scientific support for the blood type diet is limited, its emphasis on whole foods aligns with general healthy eating.

A+ Blood Type: Recommended Food List

The A+ diet encourages a variety of plant-based foods.

Protein Sources

Soy Products: Tofu, tempeh, and soy alternatives are recommended.
Legumes: Lentils and various beans like black and pinto are included.
Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds are considered beneficial.
Limited Meat and Fish: Small amounts of organic chicken, turkey, sardines, and salmon are sometimes permissible.

Fruits and Vegetables

The diet highlights leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, carrots, and garlic. Recommended fruits include berries, cherries, figs, and plums, with moderation advised for citrus like lemons and grapefruit, and limitation for oranges.

Grains and Fats

Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa are favored. Sprouted grain breads are also suggested, and olive oil is the preferred fat source.

Foods to Limit or Avoid for A+ Blood Type

Certain foods are believed to be less compatible with the A+ blood type in this diet theory.

Meats and Dairy

Red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats are generally avoided. Most cow's milk and cheeses are discouraged, though some may tolerate small amounts of kefir or goat milk.

Grains, Legumes, and Produce

Some followers limit wheat products, and specific beans like kidney, lima, and garbanzo are often less recommended. Vegetables such as eggplant, cabbage, tomatoes, and potatoes, along with fruits like oranges, bananas, and some melons, are often limited.

Other Foods

Processed foods, refined sugar, and corn are generally discouraged, aligning with broader healthy eating principles.

Comparison: A+ Diet vs. General Healthy Eating


Feature	A+ Blood Type Diet	General Healthy Eating	Key Difference
Protein Focus	Primarily plant-based (tofu, legumes), with limited lean poultry and cold-water fish.	Diverse protein sources from lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts.	The A+ diet explicitly restricts red meat and emphasizes plant proteins.
Dairy	Largely avoids cow's milk and most cheeses; favors goat milk and kefir in moderation.	Includes low-fat dairy products as a good source of calcium and protein.	The A+ diet's restriction on most dairy is based on blood type theory, not scientific consensus.
Grains	Focuses on specific whole grains like spelt, oats, and rice; may limit wheat.	Encourages a wide variety of whole grains for fiber and nutrients.	A+ diet imposes specific grain limitations, unlike general nutritional guidance.
Overall Health	Claims improved digestion, weight loss, and immunity, though scientific evidence is lacking.	Proven benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes with balanced intake.	The A+ diet's claimed benefits are theoretical, while general healthy eating has robust scientific support.

Conclusion: Navigating the A+ Diet Theory

For those with an A+ blood type interested in this diet, the recommendations center around a fresh, whole-food, and largely plant-based approach. This includes abundant vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein from soy and legumes. Limiting red meat, most dairy, and processed foods is central to the theory. While the core principles—eating more plants and avoiding processed junk—are sound nutritional advice for anyone, the specific restrictions based on blood type are not supported by conclusive scientific evidence. As with any restrictive diet, it is wise to consult with a doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure your nutritional needs are met. A balanced, organic, and vegetarian-leaning diet is a healthy choice regardless of your blood type, but the specific claims tied to blood type A are considered a matter of theory rather than scientific fact.

Resources

D'Adamo, P. J. (2024). Blood Type A. dadamo.com. https://www.dadamo.com/dadamo2024/show_blog.pl?blood-type-a

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to support the theory that eating according to your blood type is more beneficial than a general healthy diet. Any health improvements may be a result of focusing on whole foods and eliminating processed items, a practice beneficial to anyone regardless of blood type.

The A+ blood type diet theory recommends limiting or completely avoiding red meat. Very small amounts of organic chicken and turkey are sometimes allowed, but the diet is primarily vegetarian.

Beneficial fruits include berries (blueberries, elderberries, blackberries), cherries, figs, and plums. Citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruit are also permitted in moderation, but oranges and bananas are typically limited.

The A+ diet advises limiting or avoiding most dairy products, especially cow's milk and hard cheeses. Some fermented and easier-to-digest dairy, like kefir or goat milk, might be acceptable in small amounts for some followers.

Yes, tofu is considered a highly beneficial food for those on the A+ blood type diet. It is a key source of plant-based protein, aligned with the diet's emphasis on vegetarian foods.

The diet suggests cold-water fish like sardines and salmon. Most other seafood, particularly shellfish, is typically avoided.

It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before starting any restrictive diet, including the blood type diet. They can help ensure you are meeting all your nutritional requirements.