Is Dairy Good for Blood Type B? Exploring the Claims and Evidence

October 15, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the popular blood type diet, individuals with blood type B are uniquely suited to consume dairy products, a recommendation not extended to other blood types. This leads many to ask: is dairy good for blood type B? The answer involves examining both the theoretical basis of the diet and the broader scientific consensus on nutrition.

Quick Summary

The blood type diet, which is not backed by scientific evidence, suggests that people with blood type B thrive on dairy. Proponents claim their nomadic ancestry and physiology make them uniquely suited for dairy consumption. In contrast, mainstream nutritional science emphasizes that individual tolerance, such as lactose intolerance, is the primary factor determining dairy compatibility, not one's blood type.

Key Points

Blood Type Diet Claims: The blood type diet suggests that blood type B individuals, as 'nomads,' are uniquely suited to consume a variety of dairy products due to their ancestry.
Lack of Scientific Evidence: Extensive scientific reviews and studies have found no evidence to support the claims of the blood type diet, confirming it as an unproven theory.
Individual Tolerance is Key: How an individual's body tolerates dairy is determined by their digestive system, particularly the presence of the enzyme lactase, not their blood type.
Lactose Intolerance is Independent: Issues with dairy, like lactose intolerance, are a separate medical condition that affects many people regardless of their blood type.
Overall Health Matters Most: Any perceived health benefits from following a blood type diet are more likely a result of improved overall eating habits, such as reducing processed foods, rather than adherence to blood type-specific rules.
Consult a Professional: The best dietary advice is personalized and should come from a healthcare provider or registered dietitian, not an unproven diet theory.

The Blood Type Diet Perspective on Dairy

Popularized by naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo, the blood type diet is based on the unproven theory that different blood types evolved at different times and, therefore, require specific diets. This theory posits that blood type B individuals, associated with 'nomad' ancestors, are uniquely capable of digesting dairy.

Beneficial and Avoidable Dairy According to the Diet

The blood type diet specifies certain dairy products as beneficial for type B, such as yogurt, kefir, goat's milk, goat cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, and farmer cheese. It lists others to avoid, including American cheese, blue cheese, string cheese, and ice cream.

The Scientific Consensus: Lack of Evidence

Despite the diet's detailed recommendations, numerous scientific reviews find no evidence supporting the blood type diet. A key review highlighted the absence of data validating health benefits based on blood type. Research, such as a 2014 study in PLOS One, indicates that any health improvements seen are linked to overall healthy eating patterns, not blood type adherence.

Scientific Discrepancies

Scientific skepticism stems from issues like the diet's contradiction of human digestive physiology, lack of anthropological evidence for its historical claims, and its failure to account for individual factors like lactose intolerance.

Blood Type B, Dairy, and Individual Tolerance

Rather than an unproven diet theory, individual tolerance, particularly concerning lactose intolerance, dictates how a person reacts to dairy. Symptoms like bloating are due to insufficient lactase, unrelated to blood type.

General Nutritional Value of Dairy

For those who tolerate it, dairy offers calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Low-fat options are often recommended for health.

Comparison: Blood Type Diet vs. Evidence-Based Advice


Feature	Blood Type Diet (Type B)	Evidence-Based Nutritional Advice
Dairy Suitability	Excellent. Uniquely suited due to 'nomad' ancestry.	Depends on individual tolerance (e.g., lactose intolerance).
Specific Dairy	Lists beneficial and 'harmful' specific types of dairy.	Focuses on fat content and nutrient density.
Underlying Rationale	Ancestral evolution and lectin interactions.	Digestive enzymes (lactase), nutrient content, fat profiles.
Supporting Evidence	Lacks scientific validation; based on anecdotal reports.	Supported by systematic reviews, clinical trials, and nutrition science.
Chicken	Advised to avoid due to alleged lectins.	Considered a lean protein source and generally healthy.

Conclusion

The blood type diet's claim that dairy is good for blood type B lacks scientific backing. Evidence-based nutrition emphasizes overall dietary patterns and individual factors like lactose tolerance. For individuals with blood type B, or any blood type, the best approach is to monitor personal reactions to dairy and seek advice from a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. {Link: bcbsm.mibluedaily.com https://www.bcbsm.mibluedaily.com/stories/physical-health/blood-type-diet}

What to Consider for Your Dairy Intake

For anyone, including those with blood type B, the decision to consume dairy should be based on personal tolerance. If dairy is well-tolerated, it can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet. If digestive issues arise, exploring lactose-free alternatives is a practical solution, rather than following an unproven diet based on blood type.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the blood type B diet, along with the entire blood type diet theory, is not supported by scientific evidence. Multiple systematic reviews have concluded there is no valid research to substantiate the diet's claims or benefits.

Yes, absolutely. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue related to the enzyme lactase, and it can affect individuals of any blood type. It is not connected to blood type B or any other blood group.

According to the unproven blood type diet, blood type B individuals should avoid specific dairy items such as American cheese, blue cheese, string cheese, and ice cream.

Any positive health effects you experience are most likely from adopting generally healthy habits recommended by the diet, such as eating whole foods and limiting processed items. Studies show these benefits are not tied to your specific blood type.

While the diet might not be inherently harmful if balanced, its restrictive nature could lead to nutritional deficiencies if not managed properly. Relying on an unproven theory could also delay seeking medical advice for real dietary problems like lactose intolerance.

The diet's creator, Peter D'Adamo, theorized that blood type B originated from nomadic groups who relied on dairy, making modern-day type B individuals supposedly well-adapted to dairy consumption.

Yes, you should always talk to a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet. They can provide personalized, evidence-based recommendations.