QUESTION: Both myself and my wife are doing wonderful on the blood type diet. However, she works late nights and tends to burn the candle on both ends with her job. When on deadline she complains of chronic fatigue. Any ideas

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ANSWER: This is the protocol I recommend to many of my patients for basic fatigue. It is from the newly published Encyclopedia.

BASIC FATIGUE FIGHTING PROTOCOL

Use this protocol for 4 weeks.



GROUP A

Methylcobalamine ('Active B12'): 400mcg before bed

Ashwaganda: 250 mg daily

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH): 10-20 mg in morning

Pantothenic acid: 250mg twice daily

Vitamin C (from Acerola cherry or Rose Hips): 250mg twice daily

GROUP B

Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroccus spp.): 250 mg twice daily

Magnesium: 350 mg twice daily

Melatonin 3mg: 1 capsule at bedtime

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.): 1 cup of tea twice daily (1)

Potassium: 99mg twice daily

GROUP AB

Ginseng (Panax spp.): 250 mg twice daily

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH): 10-20 mg in morning

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.): 1 cup of tea twice daily (1)

Potassium: 99mg twice daily

Vitamin C (from Acerola cherry or Rose Hips): 250mg twice daily

GROUP O

Methylcobalamine ('Active B12'): 400mcg twice daily

Rhodiola rosea: 250mg twice daily

l-Tyrosine: 250mg twice daily

Coleus forskolin: 150mg twice daily

Sarsparilla (Smilax spp.) 150 mg twice daily

NOTES FOR NON-SECRETORS AND OTHER SUBTYPES

CoQ10: 30mg twice daily (Non-secretors)

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS USABLE BY ALL GROUPS

General multivitamin, preferably ABO specific

Probiotic supplement, preferably ABO specific

NOTES:

1. Licorice can cause sodium and water retention. It should be used with a potassium supplement or in combination with a high-potassium diet.

2. As always, check with your doctor to see determine that your fatigue is not from any serious health concern.

STUDY: Blood group antigens as tumor markers, parasitic/bacterial/viral receptors, and their association with immunologically important proteins.

JOURNAL: Clin Chim Acta 1988 Oct 14;177(2):147-155

AUTHORS: Garratty G.

ABSTRACT: Blood group antigens (BGAs) are chemical complexes on the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Some BGAs (e.g., A, B, H, Lewis, P, I) are widely distributed throughout the body and may not be primarily erythroid antigens. It is not known if BGAs have a biological function. There are increasing reports of BGAs [e.g., Le(x) (an isomer of Le(a)), Le(y) (an isomer of Le(b)), T, Tn, "A-like"] appearing as "new" antigens on malignant tissue. Their presence and membrane density appears to correlate with the metastatic potential of the tumor. This often parallels loss of normal BGAs (e.g., ABH) from the tissue. Some of these antigens have been shown to influence the immune response and have been used in assays to determine preclinical cancer, and in tumor immunotherapy. Interactions of some parasites and bacteria with human cells have been shown to depend on the presence of certain BGAs. This interaction is the tethering stage that start the leukocytes' journey from the circulation into the tissue. Thus, there are increasing data suggesting a biological role for BGAs unrelated to the red blood cell.

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COMMENTARY: In this most important article, we can see an early use of the term 'A-like' as a description of a class of tumor antigens associated with blood groups. This 'A-like' antigen is most likely a corrupted version of what is actually known as 'T' or 'Tn' an early stage tumor antigen which is normally suppressed in healthy cells, by a thick covering of neuraminic acid (NANA). Much like a rock is covered at high tide by water, in healthy cells NANA encrypts or completely covers Tn. So rare is the appearance of Tn in a healthy cell that the immune system makes antibodies against it ('anti-Tn') -a rare instance of an antibody being puposefully manufactured against a 'self' antigen.

One of the first defects to occur in most mutating cells is the loss of the enzyme neccesary to manufacture NANA. Anti-Tn essentially acts as an 'early warning system' to help tag and identify early stage mutations, thus proving the adage that 'we make cancer cells every day of our lives, except we normally kill them before they can become a problem.'

Studies have shown lower levels of anti-Tn antibodies in blood type A individuals (1), probably because the Tn antigen, by being 'A-like,' tends to discourage type A's and AB's from making large or effective ammounts of anti-Tn, since we do not like to make antibodies against things in nature which look like us, or in this case, our blood type.(2)



1. Kurtenkov O, Klaamas K, Miljukhina L. The lower level of natural anti-Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TFA) agglutinins in sera of patients with gastric cancer related to ABO(H) blood-group phenotype. Int J Cancer. 1995 Mar 16;60(6):781-5.

2.Springer GF. n epitope (N-acetyl-D-galactosamine alpha-O-serine/threonine) density in primary breast carcinoma: a functional predictor of aggressiveness. Mol Immunol. 1989 Jan;26(1):1-5.

QUESTION: Hi, Dr. D'Adamo! What does this book cover that your other books don't?

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ANSWER: The first book Eat Right 4 Your Type was almost exclusively devoted to diet. In Live Right 4 Your Type, I was able to take advantage of the now more available electronic retrieval forms of research (i.e. Medline), so I was able to take a more broad view of blood type, to stand back and look at it from a genetic perspective. Whereas in Eat Right we were given guidelines of how to eat based on precepts of blood type, Live Right provides guidelines on how to live a healthier, more intelligent existence by factoring in the strengths and weaknesses involved in blood types. So Live Right dovetails nicely because it looks at the other factors that contribute to one's health, i.e. chronic disease, metabolic dysfunctions, and reactions to stress. It also spends a little time looking at a special subtype called "secretor status," which helps us to refine the system a bit further.

QUESTION: Dr. D'Adamo, do any of the Naturopathic Colleges in the United States offer courses in blood type medicine?

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ANSWER: We are currently developing a curriculum for certification and credentialing in human polymorphism and blood group sciences. We are hoping to produce the program under the auspices of a naturopathic medical college. The certification will assume two different tracks; one for laypeople (principally retailers and educators) and a second for medical professionals (practitioners and researchers). Certification will allow for quality assurance and professional standardization.

The Institute for Human Individuality (IfHI) a 501c3 under Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, has as its prime goal the fostering of research in the in the expanding area of human nutrigenomics. The science of nutrigenomics seeks to provide a molecular understanding for how common dietary chemicals affect health by altering the expression or structure of an individual’s genetic makeup.

IfHI produces bi-annual coferences and certification courses.

Click Here For More Information

QUESTION: In your book you mentioned helping a person with hypertension by (1) having the individual follow the blood type diet and (2) recommending certain botanicals. I would like to know about these botanicals and any other recommendations on the topic of hypertension. Thanks.

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ANSWER: Renewed interest in the neurotransmitter nitric oxide has researchers looking at its precursor, L-arginine, for treating certain kinds of heart disease. Once thought to be only a dangerous environmental pollutant and a poison, it is now known that nitric oxide is made in the body and plays numerous roles including brain activity regulation and circulation control.

Using nitric oxide for vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, has been a common practice for a long time but has only recently been understood. In World War I, doctors noticed that workers in ammunition factories who were packing shells with nitroglycerin had very low blood pressures. The observation eventually led to the development of a nitroglycerin pill for the rapid relief of angina--that is, exercise-induced chest pain caused by oxygen deficiency in the heart. In 1987 nitric oxide was determined to be the relaxant factor released by endothelial cells, explaining how nitroglycerin tablets help angina sufferers.

Nitric oxide controls blood pressure and prevents formation of blood clots by signaling the muscles that control relaxation and expansion of blood vessels. There is some evidence that the night time urination many people find so disturbing to their sleep may be the result of nocturnal variations in blood pressure that are the result of the fluctuations in nitric oxide activity.

When arteries become clogged, they produce less nitric oxide than normal. Treatment with nitroglycerin can increase nitric oxide, widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow. Nitric oxide also interacts with blood platelets to decrease platelet aggregation, thus lowering the risk of blood clots.

Healthy cardiovascular function can be enhanced by nutritional supplementation such as NAPS Nitricycle (proper modulation of nitric oxide function) and Hawthorn Plus (anti-oxidant support).



1. Carillo C. Selective defect in nitric oxide synthesis may explain the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with essential hypertension. Circulation 1998;97:851-6.

2. Weaver R. Atherosclerosis and the two faces of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Circulation 1998;97:108-12.

QUESTION: On a national prime time Australian lifestyle show (Burkes Backyard) the blood type diet was dismissed as a load of bunkum by the shows health and nutrition expert (Dr Rosemary Stanton). She also stated that the blood type diet was without scientific basis whatsoever. I have been subscribing to the blood type diet for about three years and haven't felt as well for 20 years. Do you have a comment for Dr. Stanton that I could forward on your behalf? 

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ANSWER: Ms. Stanton is apparently not an expert in human ABO polymorphism, which may be one of the prime reasons that her criticism is so rudimentary. Undoubtedly the blood type diets may well shake up the basis of so-called nutrition orthodoxy, but that in itself should not be a prime reason for dispensing with it; you have to develop an argument based on the available facts.

Let's look at what she has to say: 

"There is no proof or scientific basis for these claims. Pathologists test millions of blood samples, but have not found links between particular disease and blood group. If you go on one of these diets you may feel better initially. That's partly because you expect to feel better, and partly because the diets are very restrictive and you'll end up eating less."

There are hundreds of illnesses linked to blood type, including heart disease, blood clotting, resistance to infection, cancer and a variety of psychological disorders. MEDLINE, the national medical citation database, lists 1213 studies when the keywords 'ABO blood group' and 'disease' are entered.

One could also counter that by her claiming that feeling better on new diets often results from expecting to feel better could just as well be applied to the reams of dietary advice she offers up weekly, so it is not much of an accusation. 

[N.B. 12/12/01: Ms. Stanton's site has since changed the phrase:

"There is no proof or scientific basis for these claims. Pathologists test millions of blood samples, but have not found links between particular disease and blood group.

To the phrase:

"There is no proof or scientific basis for these claims. Pathologists test millions of blood samples, but have not found links between particular foods, disease and blood group."

So my initial response is not longer relevant. In reality, this phrase, while of considerable sophistry, is not very effective; pathologists have NEVER looked for any links between particular foods, blood types and disease, which is a considerably different argument.

"One of the reasons many people are following the blood group diet is because it has what seems to be a strong scientific and medical basis. Practitioners do what they call live blood tests - a few drops of your blood are examined under a microscope and an image is projected onto a screen. If the blood cells clump together or appear misshapen they conclude that your diet is causing a toxic reaction with your blood group. Rosemary Stanton says that this type of diagnosis is downright shonky. For more information, visit the quackwatch website

It appears that Ms. Stanton has confused the blood group diets with another modality often seen in alternative medicine, the so-called 'live cell analysis.' None of my writings or work has ever used this modality, which I agree is subject to questionable interpretation. However, I do believe that Ms. Stanton has confused legitimate hemagglutination studies with live cell analysis. Thousands of studies have documented the basic mechanisms of lectin to cell reactions, and it does not bode well for Ms. Stanton's understanding of the overall topic that she mistakes live cell analysis for lectin agglutination. A search of MEDLINE, the national medical citation database lists 2297 scientific articles when the keywords 'lectin' and agglutination' are entered. By the way, the link that she provides has nothing at all to say about me or my research. 

All in all, a not very convincing performance, but very typical of many so-called media experts: No analysis, no impartiality, no curiosity.

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[N.B. 12/12/01: Ms. Stanton has communicated to me that she takes exception to my prior characterization of her review of my work as 'lazy,' and indeed I do acknowledge that this was unfair. In contrast, I continue to embrace her characterization of my work on her site as 'downright wonky' and 'crazy' as a testament to the cultural divide between us.]

STUDY: ABH and Lewis histo-blood group antigens, a model for the meaning of oligosaccharide diversity in the face of a changing world.

JOURNAL: Biochimie 2001 Jul;83(7):565-73

AUTHORS: Marionneau S, Cailleau-Thomas A, Rocher J, Le Moullac-Vaidye B, Ruvoen N, Clement M, Le Pendu J.

ABSTRACT: Antigens of the ABH and Lewis histo-blood group family have been known for a long time. Yet their biological meaning is still largely obscure. Based on the available knowledge about the genes involved in their biosynthesis and about their tissue distribution in humans and other mammals, we discuss here the selective forces that may maintain or propagate these antigens. We suggest that the highly polymorphic genes of each gene family provide intraspecies diversity that allows coping with diverse and rapidly evolving pathogens. In addition, some members of these three gene families are expected to be functionally redundant and may either provide a reservoir for additional diversity in the future or become inactivated. We also discuss the role of the ABH and Lewis histo-blood group antigens in pathologies such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, but argue that it is merely incidental and devoid of evolutionary impact.

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COMMENTARY: It is rewarding to see the increasing appearance of scientific discussion centering on the role of ABO group (and Lewis subtypes, or secretor status) in "non-transfusion" medicine.

QUESTION: The subject of muscle testing seems to surface on the message board frequently. What is your opinion of it? Thanks.

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ANSWER: Muscle testing, or "applied kinesiology" was founded by Michigan chiropractor George J. Goodheart, Jr., and is a popular diagnostic and therapeutic system used by many health care practitioners. AK proponents claim that nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and other adverse reactions to foods or nutrients can be detected by having the patient chew or suck on them or by placing them on the tongue so that the patient salivates. Some practitioners advise that the test material merely be held in the patient's hand or placed on another part of the body. Many muscle-testing proponents assert that nutrients tested in these various ways will have an immediate effect: "good" substances will make specific muscles stronger, whereas "bad" substances will cause weaknesses.

Obviously, there is no current way of scientifically explaining why a substance help in one's hands correlates with a weakened muscle response, which in turn correlates with a food intolerance or allergy. However, at least one study has shown fairly good correlation between AK testing results and recognized clinical lab tests for allergy. (1)

In the study, seventeen subjects were found positive on Applied Kinesiology (A.K.) muscle testing screening procedures indicating food hypersensitivity (allergy) reactions. Each subject showed muscle weakening (inhibition) reactions to oral provocative testing of one or two foods for a total of 21 positive food reactions. Tests for a hypersensitivity reaction of the serum were performed using both a radio-allergosorbent test (RAST) and immune complex test for IgE and IgG against all 21 of the foods that tested positive with A.K. muscle screening procedures. These serum tests confirmed 19 of the 21 food allergies, which is an extraordinary correlation.

Critics point to the potential for the effects of bias and suggestibility to influence results. Differences from one test to another may be due to suggestion, variations in the amount of force, leverage or muscle fatigue. There s also the potential for artifact: A sudden slight upward movement can cause a "set" muscle to relax so that it can be immediately pulled downward.

It appears that AK lacks 'cross-platform consistency': in other words results can vary significantly from practitioner to practitioner. Using blood type is perhaps one of the better examples of cross-platform consistency: If you are type AB in your doctors' office, you are probaly going to be type AB at the blood bank.

One study, for example, found that three practitioners testing eleven subjects made significantly different assessments; their diagnoses of nutritional deficiencies did not correspond to the nutrient levels obtain by blood serum analysis; and that the responses to nutrient substances did not significantly differ from responses to placebos - study, interestingly, paid for by the Pritikin Foundation. (2) Another study found no effect from administering the nutrients "expected" to strengthen a muscle diagnosed as "weak" by AK practitioners." (3)

So, is AK for real? Frankly, I'm not sure. I've known practitioners who seem to get very good results, and others whose results I would trust less than a coin toss. Many AK practitioners tell me that my blood type work correlates well with AK, so perhaps I am not completely unbiased, although I do not use the technique myself.

If you want to use the technique, my suggestion is that the practitioner and the subject 'totally blind' themselves by putting the supplements in unmarked containers, since it has been proven that even the color of a supplement bottle label can affect suggestibility. If the results appear to indicate an exceptional number of intolerances or allergies, I would recommend backing up the findings with conventional allergy testing.







1. Schmitt WH Jr, Leisman G Int J Neurosci 1998 Dec;96(3-4):237-44 Correlation of applied kinesiology muscle testing findings with serum immunoglobulin levels for food allergies.

2. Kenny JJ, Clemens R, Forsythe KD. Applied kinesiology unreliable for assessing nutrient status. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 88:698-704, 1988.

3. Triano JJ. Muscle strength testing as a diagnostic screen for supplemental nutrition therapy: a blind study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 5:179-182, 1982

STUDY: Isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase - reference values in young people and effects of protein diet

JOURNAL: Experientia 1976;32(7):832-834

AUTHORS: Stepan J, Graubaum HJ, Meurer W, Wagenknecht C

ABSTRACT: In 260 normal students, 20-25 years old, the variation in the activities of serum alkaline phosphatase and its isoenzymes with sex, ABO blood groups, and protein intake were studied. The values are on the whole higher in males than in females. The activity of the intestinal isoenzyme was higher in subjects taking protein-rich diet than in those taking protein poor diet.

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COMMENTARY: Many vegan-vegetarian critics of the blood group diet theory point to studies that indicate that a high protein diet (the type O diet profile, but a simplification) can cause increased loss of calcium.

This may be somewhat true for blood group A non-secretors (which have the lowest levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme made by the intestine to split dietary fat and to help assimilate calcium) but it is not valid for blood groups O and B, who are known to have higher levels of this enzyme. In addition, the above study throws the 'across the board' notion that protein increases bone loss into a cocked hat, since the results of this study indicate that protein actually enhances the levels of alkaline phosphatase.

Once again we have proof that simplified notions of what is right-or-wrong for one person being applicable to all just doesn't work and is not supported by the scientific literature; proving that 'one man's food is someone else's poison.'

Type O individuals can look forward to healthier bones with the adoption of a higher protein diet.

QUESTION: Read your article on Collinsonia... thank you. I was wondering if this herb has any side effects if you use it a lot? Will it lose it's effectiveness if used frequently?

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ANSWER: We have not observed any side-effects with using Collinsonia long-term in our practice. In fact the National Cancer Institute is currently investigating Collinsonia for suspected anti-cancer properties.

This does not mean that side-effects of some form are not possible, but we have not seen any and herbal reference books do not list any. Its effectiveness does not seem to be compromised if used for prolonged intervals. However, with most herbs and Collinsonia is no exception, it is a good idea to take 1 week off every 6-8 weeks if using for sustained periods of time. This is just a good rule of thumb to make sure that effectiveness of herbs is sustained.

The adult dose of Collinsonia is often 2 capsules twice daily. For a child, the equivalent dose would be a fraction of this depending upon the child's age and weight. But it is always fine to start off dosing any new supplement at the lowest amount (1 capsule) to start with just to make sure it agrees with the individual. Then increasing this if needed.

QUESTION: Can blood type affect personality and chemical reactions in the brain?

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ANSWER: The answer with regard to brain chemistry is yes. Many studies have documented a link (probably genetic) between ABO group and certain differences in brain function, most commonly with regard to stress reactions. The Mind/Body Knowledge Base has a few links to collections of studies linking blood type to differences in adrenaline metabolism, cortisol breakdown and other brain/stress functions.

With regard to personality, the data is less conclusive. There is an ongoing personality questionaire many people have filled out, and the results are available from the above link. Suffice it to say that personality is much more complicated and under a great number of influences.

QUESTION: I am Blood Type A and your second book LR4YType suggests taking Dendrobium to increase acid output and gastrin concentration. My health food store has not heard of this supplement. What is it? Thanks much!

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ANSWER: Dendrobium has a long history in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. In Chinese medicine it is though to strenthen the lung and kidneys, tonify the yin and clear heat, to promote the production of body fluids and nourish the stomach. The stems are gathered in the period between summer and autumn, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.

Patients with chronic superficial gastritis were perfused in the stomach with 20 g of Dendrobium nobile to observe the variations in gastric acidity output, serum gastrin and plasma somatostatin concentration. The result showed a significant increase in both acidity output and serum gastrin concentration (P < 0.01).



Chen S, Li Y, Wu Y, Zhou Z, Sun L. [Effect of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. on gastric acid secretion, serum gastrin and plasma somatostatin concentration]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1995 Mar;20(3):181-21

QUESTION: I would like to know the research behind the theory of birth defects resulting from Type A fathers and Type O mothers as stated in Eat Right 4 Your Type.

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ANSWER: I encourage you to explore the 'Knowledge Bases' which are now available from the front homepage. There is an extensive article by the researcher AE Mourant that I have reproduced under the 'Disease' Knowledge Base that can answer your question.

QUESTION: I have been doing the BT diet now for two years. We have also recently moved from the N.E. to the Mid West. My allergies are worse off than they have been in a loooong time! I'm taking extra B vitamins, nettle, and quercitin. Is there anything else I could be doing? I am an O non-secretor.

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ANSWER: I've found that O non-secretors with allergies often respond to anti-fungal medications. A safe and effective one is caprylic acid (a distant relative of olive oil) that is manufactured by several reputable companies. A typical does is anywhere from 500-650mg capsules taken 2 capsules three times daily.

Liver extracts (preferably 'aqueous extracted') are also quite effective for many type Os with allergies. Although known to be effective since the 1930's the rational for their action is still unknown.

QUESTION: How often should you eat snail to reap the benefits of the lectin? 2.Does chicken broth & boullion contain the harmful chicken lectins too? I am an AB. After 3 weeks on the diet, I am off all of my asthma inhalers! Thank you for your wonderful research!!!!!!

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ANSWER: Although there is no clear-cut answer to the level of snails one should consume if they are type A or AB in order to get the maximum protective benefit, my own innate feeling is that 4-6 snails, 1-2 times weekly would be adequate, since this is the normal ammount used in many European countries in which escargot are esteemed as an anti-cancer food.

Anything made of or from the muscle meat of chicken will contain chicken lectin (actually a 'galectin', but that is another story!)

Congratulations on the success with the asthma.

QUESTION: Hi! I am AB and my wife is O what will my childrens group be?

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ANSWER: Here's an interesting combination: Blood type O and blood type AB parents. In this circumstance, the offspring will either be blood type A or blood type B as both the A and B alleles are dominant to the o allele. Thus in this scenario no offspring will possess the blood type of their mother. Both will possess a recessive o allele (in addition to their dominant allele) which they may pass onto their own offspring and use to produce blood type O offspring. Grandma's revenge!







This is why recessive genes do not disappear over time: There are enough o alleles in the human gene pool to allow blood type O to propagate into the foreseeable future.

STUDY: Lewis antigens as a possible cause of sudden death of previously healthy adults and infants and of diseases and phenomena linked to tissue ischemia.

JOURNAL: Med Hypotheses 1997 Dec;49(6):525-7

AUTHORS: Grzeszczuk J

ABSTRACT: In persons with anti-Lewis antibodies, erythrocyte agglutination might take place during breathing of odors from secretors of Lewis antigens. The agglutinates occlude capillary vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow. This might lead to the sudden death of adults, sudden infant death syndrome or to diseases accompanied by tissue ischemia, such as migraine, glaucoma, epilepsy, etc.

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COMMENTARY: This study proposes that some cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) may be the result of exposure of the non-secretor infant to Lewis antigens from the breath of secretor parents. The resulting immune reaction would then block the blood vessels leading to sudden death.

Non-secretors are almost always Lewis A positive/ Lewis B negative, whilst secretors are Lewis B positive/ Lewis A negative. Thus, Lewis B negative non-secretors can certainly produce antibodies to the secretions in the breath of Lewis B positive secretor parents. This hypothesis is not as far-fetched as it seems. Other studies have noted that the Lewis A antigen of non-secretors can serve as a point of attachment for strains of bacteria known to be implicated in the production of toxins known to result in SIDS like deaths (2,3)

The take home message? Secretor status may be something worth evaluating as a risk factor for SIDS. Sadly, I doubt any pediatric treatment facilities are currently doing this.



2.) Blackwell CC, Saadi AT, Essery SD, Raza MW, Zorgani AA, Elahmer OR, Alkout AH, James VS, MacKenzie DA, Weir DM, Busuttil A. Adhesins of Staphylococcus aureus that bind Lewis(a) antigen. Relationship to sudden infant death syndrome. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1996;408:95-105.

3.) Saadi AT, Weir DM, Poxton IR, Stewart J, Essery SD, Blackwell CC, Raza MW, Busuttil A Isolation of an adhesin from Staphylococcus aureus that binds Lewis a blood group antigen and its relevance to sudden infant death syndrome. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 1994 May;8(4):315-20

QUESTION: I am a type A undergoing chemotherapy and then radiation for breast cancer.What is the best approach for my for my health during and after treatment.I have "Eat Right" and "Cook RIght"but wonder about the vaccine that you mention.

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ANSWER: George Springer, the discoverer of the Tn vaccine therapy, passed away about 4 years ago. Sadly, his work is largely in 'suspended animation' at this time, although there are plans afoot to begin phase II and III testing again. Springer's vaccine, was actually a combination of two separate vaccines; a 'T' antigen vaccine which Springer made himself from enzymatically treated red blood cells, and the injectable typhoid vaccine. Although Springer's T antigen vaccine is unavailable, the Typhoid vaccine is very easily attainable. There is a module in the Knowledge Base that contains the references, should you wish to discuss getting the typhoid vaccine with your physician.

QUESTION: I'm an O+ who quit drinking coffee and started drinking Yerba Mate. Never felt better. Soothes my stomach. Is it advisable?

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ANSWER: Yerba mate, or Ilex paraguariensis is a South American holly tree that provides the leaves and stems from which a popular hot drink is brewed. In traditional cultures the tea is usually drunk from a hollowed out gourd which can be lavishly decorated with silver, or aluminum or just left plain. Yerba mate means, in fact, "gourd tea." The straw-like utensil with which the tea is drunk is called a "bombilla."

It is used in popular medicine and employed in commercial herbal preparations as a stimulant to the central nervous system, a diuretic, and an antirheumatic (1). The plant also has a considerable amount of antioxidant activity. (2)

Arguments have been raised as to whether Yerba Mate is high in caffeine -or whether the particular xanthine in Yerba Mate, given the name 'matteine' has a different action on the body. Since many people feel that Yerba Mate enhances their sleep, this may well be true.

Studies have also shown that the plant does have the effect of dropping the 'repiratory quotient' indicating a rise in the proportion of fat oxidized. This appears to indicate that the plant has some potential in the treatment of obesity. (3)

Yerba mate also appears to block the oxidation of the so-called 'bad cholesterol" or LDL (5)

On the down-side, there is some evidence that mate drinking may be associated with increased risks of aero-digestive cancers (4) though this may be an interaction between mate and other factors such as alcohol or tobacco smoking.

Can I make it a recommendation? Not really. Though I suspect that an occcasional cup is fine as long as one controls for other lifestyle issues, such as excessive use of alchohol, or smoking.



1. Gosmann, G., Schenkel, E.P. and Seligmann, O.; A New Saponin from Mate, Ilex Paraguarensis, J.Nat.Pbod. 52(6), 1367 (1989)

2.Schinella GR, Troiani G, Davila V, de Buschiazzo PM, Tournier HA. Antioxidant effects of an aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000 Mar 16;269(2):357-60.

3. Phytomedicine 1999 Oct;6(4):231-8 Thermogenic effects of commercially available plant preparations aimed at treating human obesity. Martinet A, Hostettmann K, Schutz Y

4. Epidemiology 1994 Nov;5(6):583-90 Mate, coffee, and tea consumption and risk of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract in southern Brazil. Pintos J, Franco EL, Oliveira BV, Kowalski LP, Curado MP, Dewar R

5. Gugliucci A, Stahl AJ. Low density lipoprotein oxidation is inhibited by extracts of Ilex paraguariensis. Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1995 Jan;35(1):47-56.

QUESTION: I live in Yorkshire, England. May I have the e-mail address in England where I can make an order for the home blood typing test. Thank you so much. I must recommend at least 10 people a week to your books and diet, and I'm amazed at the results they are having in their health and weight! Thanks for helping me lose 28 lbs in 6 weeks which I've been trying to lose for almost 30 years! My health has also improved drastically! Keep up the good work!!

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ANSWER: You can contact Stacktheme for NAP direct service in the UK, Denmark and Sweden. Stacktheme can also supply NAP products throughout the EU via direct sales.

STUDY: Lectins isolated from Korean mistletoe (Viscum album coloratum) induce apoptosis in tumor cells.

JOURNAL: Cancer Lett 1999 Feb 8;136(1):33-40

AUTHORS: Yoon TJ, Yoo YC, Kang TB, Shimazaki K, Song SK, Lee KH, Kim SH, Park CH, Azuma I, Kim JB.

ABSTRACT: Cytotoxic lectins (KML-C) were isolated from an extract of Korean mistletoe [Viscum album C.] and the chemical and biological properties of KML-C were examined, partly by comparing them with a lectin (EML-1) from European mistletoe[Viscum album L. (loranthaceae)]. The hemagglutinating activity of KML-C was inhibited by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-galactose. The isolated lectins showed strong cytotoxicity against various human and murine tumor cells. Tumor cells treated with KML-C exhibited typical patterns of apoptotic cell death, such as apparent morphological changes and DNA fragmentation, and its apoptosis-inducing activity was blocked by addition of Zn2+, an inhibitor of Ca2+/Mg2+ -dependent endonucleases, in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that KML-C is a novel lectin related to the cytotoxicity of Korean mistletoe, and that its cytotoxic activity against tumor cells is due to apoptosis mediated by Ca2+/Mg2+ -dependent endonucleases.

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COMMENTARY: Misteltoe is a traditional plant medicine for cancer treatment, widely used in Europe. Recently, studies have determined that the presumed anti-cancer component in mistletoe may in fact be the powerful lectin contained in the plant. This study is important as it help elaborate the mechanism by which mistletoe lectin may be an important anti-cancer drug: The study indicates that programmed cell death (apoptosis) is activated by the ability of the lectin to disrupt the action of enzymes involved with the transport of calcium and magnesium into the cell's nucleus.

QUESTION: I am seriously considering attending a college of naturopathic medicine to become an ND. I am especially interested in incorporating your work into my future practice plans. I notice you are a graduate of Bastyr College in Seattle. Do you think this is the best place to get a naturopathic education and pursue investigation of your research? Thank you for your help!

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ANSWER: Bastyr University is my alma mater, and whereas I think they provide an excellent education in the basics of naturopathic medicine, the nutrition department has been largely apathetic about my work with blood types. Perhaps it just verifies the old observation that 'a prophet is never recognized in their home town.'

If you are looking to pursue additonal research in field of blood type physiology and nutrition, in my opinion the best school to investigate is Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe AZ. I was recently there for a series of lectures and was surprised at the level of awareness of my work, and how many of the physicians in the area use it in practice.

In addition, there are plans on the board there for an 'Institute For Human Individuality' to coordinate research into all human polymorphisms such as ABO, secretor status and others. One of the first studies planned is a look at the effects of the blood type diet in rheumatoid arthritis.

An additional benefit is that Dr. Thomas Kruzel, a close personal friend and very experienced clinician with years of experience in serotyping, is the head of the Teaching Clinic.

QUESTION: What supplements would you recommend for a very active, 41 year old, Type O male, with a hurt knee: Snapped ACL and tore cartilage?

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ANSWER: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) of the knee is one of four principle knee ligaments. However, it seems to be the most important in terms of a sense of well-being and stability of the knee. When torn, it is now routinely rebuilt utilizing a portion of the patellar tendon or hamstrings. (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) About 60% of all major ligament injuries involve the ACL.

The athlete often feels or hears a pop, followed by immediate disability. Until recently the medical collateral ligament tear was considered much more prevalent than the complete ACL tear. Today the anterior cruciate is considered the most commonly disrupted ligament in the knee. The earlier the determination the better, because swelling often will mask the full extent of the injury. In addition to swelling, this injury is associated with joint instability, and a positive drawer sign may be present.

My recommendations would include:

The trace mineral manganese. (I prefer my patients to use it in the form of manganese picolenate, 15-25 mg daily for 30-45 days). Manganese increases ligament strength and helps stabilize the knee joint.

The pineapple enzyme bromelain. Bromelain is helpful to reduce inflammation and pain. It should be taken (500mg doses of a high quality supplement) between meals for the best effect.

Glucosamine sulfate has been proven to help the body repair damaged cartilage in joints; it has been widely tested and shown to be safe and effective. The dose used is 500mg three times a day.

The Ayurvedic herb Bosewellia serrulata can help increase the microcirculation to the joint, which can help speed healing.