Non-secretors (FUT2, Lewis phenotype) are not your average people when it comes to health.
Non-secretors typically make more visits to the doctor’s office and have more issues with pain, inflammation, and digestion. The right diet is especially important because the foods they eat can make or break their health. Inflammation, pain, and disease are the direct results of foods that are just wrong for them. Sugars, starches, many grains, and processed foods can cause an autoimmune type of reaction leading to poor health and chronic conditions.
Are you a non-secretor?
Ask the average physician about them and they more than likely know very little, but at least 20 to 25% of the population are Lewis non-secretors. In the black population, and other people of color, as many as 30% or more are non-secretors, usually of the Le(a-b-) phenotype. One larger study found that 28.5% of Blacks were non-secretors while only 9.7% of Caucasians were non-secretors. This makes a huge difference in treatments and disease progression that most people of color experience. (5)
Secretor status must be taken into consideration when there are health issues. This can be another good reason why one diet or treatment does not fit all people. For instance, there is evidence that secretor status may be a factor in why Blacks have poorer health prognosis and four times the rate of kidney failure. (Click here for info) Gut health including the number of antibiotics you have taken is directly related to overall health in the non-secretor.
What makes the non-secretor different?
It is well known in the scientific community that non-secretors are at a disadvantage when it comes to health. They are missing many important and protective antigens and enzymes in their mucous membranes and GI tract that the rest of the population (secretors) have. This allows poorly digested proteins, bacteria, and toxins to do damage. Since they lack the protection that other people have, they can find themselves fighting bacteria, fungus, and disease on a continuous basis resulting in a weakened immune system. The sugars on the non-secretors cell surfaces can actually help many bad bugs survive in the body. (1) (12)
Their enzyme deficiencies make it difficult for them to digest and utilize certain foods, especially sugars and carbohydrates. Most of them do better on a low carb diet. In fact, a non-secretor eating a junk food, gluten-based, or high carb diet is bound to have a wide range of health and pain issues. Those of you out there who are non-secretors and love your sugary drinks, pasta, and sweet desserts have problems because these foods are simply bad for your health. Your ancestors did not eat this way, so you are less equipped to eat these foods. (4) (8)
Non-secretors could have some protection against Covid 19 and/or be super-spreaders.
New studies emerging recently point to the fact that non-secretors may have protection from Covid 19 lung issues that many people die from. Even more interesting is the fact that blood type 0 non-secretors could be symptomless super-spreaders of the disease. Click here to view one study.
Studies have shown that non-secretors have a higher incidence of the following health conditions:
- IBS, Crohn’s disease, and gut-related inflammatory diseases
- Autoimmune disorders such as reactive arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and Grave’s disease
- A higher incidence of cavities and oral diseases (this is a classic sign of being a non-secretor due to differences in mucous membranes)
- Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. One study found that as much as 48% are non-secretors and non-secretors are 200% more likely to have celiac disease
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes, especially insulin-dependent type 1 but also type 2 diabetes
- Eye disease associated with diabetes
- Sickle Cell Anemia of the most common SS type
- Heart disease, along with the risk of blood clots due to thicker blood, and heart valve problems
- Candida, fungus, and yeast-related infections anywhere in the body
- Carbohydrate intolerance, which is poor digestion of certain carbohydrates.
- Peptic ulcers
- Urinary tract infections
- Low intestinal alkaline phosphatase, ( an enzyme that digests fats and proteins), and more
- Lower levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), results in an increased inflammatory response in the body
- More sensitivities to environmental toxins and chemicals
- High incidence of autism
- High incidence of ear infections
- A higher incidence of asthma and other respiratory conditions
- Reduced levels of beneficial bifidobacteria in the intestines that are needed for many functions
- Low levels of lysine, an important amino acid needed to repair cells in the body
- Imbalance of other amino acids
- Deficiency of vitamin B6 which is needed in many functions of the body (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (10) (12) (13)
Non-secretors lack protective antigens:
Non-secretors do not secrete ABO antigens in their mucous membranes. This includes their saliva and the intestinal lining. Not having protective antigens can lead to autoimmunity. Each blood type has specific ABO molecules on the surface of their cells that only people with that same blood type have. This makes your body react to foods that are not compatible with the sugars on the surface of your cells. If you are a non-secretor you are even more sensitive to the effects of those foods.
All non-secretors lack the FUT2 gene. Anyone who does not have it will not produce enough of the prebiotic fucose. Fucose is needed to feed the good bacteria in your body. Good bacteria help produce amino acids that are important in protein synthesis. Good bacteria will also help you fight bad bacteria and infections. When there are more bad bacteria than good, an imbalance occurs that is the underlying reason for many health problems. (9) (3) (12)
Non-secretors often have diseases and symptoms that are difficult to diagnose because they lack:
- Enzymes that allow them to digest and assimilate some foods properly
- Protection from some infections
- Enough important good gut bacteria that has multiple roles in the body including protection from the effects of bad, sugar-fed bacteria
Click on links below to view articles
References:
(1) Essays, UK. (November 2018). Secretors and Non-secretors Disease Susceptibility. Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/biology/disease-susceptibility-among-secretors-and-non-secretors.php?vref
(2) Greenfield, T, 2016, Lewis negative and secretor status http://datapunk.net/opus23blog/2016/05/08/lewis-negative-and-secretor-status/
(3) Salih Jaff, M, 2010, Higher frequency of secretor phenotype in O blood group – its benefits in prevention and/or treatment of some diseases, International Journal of Nanomedicine, 5: 901–905
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990383/
(4) D’Adamo, P, Kelly, G, 2001, Metabolic and immunologic consequences of ABH secretor and Lewis subtype status. Alternative Medicine Review, Aug;6(4):390-405, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11578255
(5) Molthan, Lyndall, 1980, Lewis phenotypes of American Caucasians, American Negros and their children. Miller Memorial Blood Center, Bethlehem PA. Vox Sang 39:327-330
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1423-0410.1980.tb02970.x
(6) Olorunshola KV, Audu L., 2013, ABO (H) secretor status of sickle cell disease patients in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences, Jun 30;28(1):2934, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23955403
(7) Poonam Woike, Sudha Iyengar, Dharmesh Chandra, Sharma, Rajesh Gaur, 2017, Frequency of ABH Secretors/Non Secretors and Its Clinical Significance: A Cross Sectional Study in Gwalior , IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, Volume 16, Issue 6 Ver. II, PP 116-124
(8) UKESSAYS, Secretors And Non Secretors In Human Population Biology Essay,https://www.ukessays.com/essays/biology/secretors-and-non-secretors-in-human-population-biology-essay.php, 2016
(9) Yoshiro Koda, Hidenori Tachida, Hao Pang, Yuhua Liu, Mikiko Soejima, Abbas A. Ghaderi, Osamu Takenaka and Hiroshi Kimura, 2001, Contrasting Patterns of Polymorphisms at the ABO-Secretor Gene (FUT2) and Plasma α(1,3)Fucosyltransferase Gene (FUT6) in Human Populations, GENETICS, vol. 158 no. 2 747-756, https://www.genetics.org/content/158/2/747
(10) Santos-Cortez RLP, 2018, FUT2 Variants Confer Susceptibility to Familial Otitis Media, ajhg.09.010. Epub 2018 Oct 25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3040145
(11) Matsushita M Irino T Stigbrand T Nakajima T Komoda T, 1998, Changes in intestinal alkaline phosphatase isoforms in healthy subjects bearing the blood group secretor and non-secretor, Clinica Chimica Acta, Sep 14;277(1):13-24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9776042
(12) Meghan B. Azad, 2018, FUT2 secretor genotype and susceptibility to infections and chronic conditions in the ALSPAC cohort, Wellcome Open Research; 3: 65,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6171556/
(13) Domar U, Hirano K, Stigbrand T, 1991, Serum levels of human alkaline phosphatase isozymes in relation to blood groups, Clinica Chimica international journal of clinical chemistry, Dec 16;203(2-3):305-13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1777990
Hey guys it not all bad. As child, yes, measles, mumps pneumonia x3, gernman measles ear infections x 100 (no vaccines for these in my day) Now in the last quarter, no pills, totally healthy and intend to reach 100. Haven’t see a doctor in over 20years as no need (healthcare free here) A+ non secretor, definitely a carnivore, limited carbs. What I disagree with is when they say don’t eat acid foods. If I have digestive problems, rare, acid foods, eg pickles in any form solve the discomfort. I try to eat some sort of acid food at every meal
We need the correct balance of acid vs alkaline foods. Your body will always attempt to correct itself. If your diet is more acidic or you eat a lot of carbs, as long as you have needed molecules of minerals, electrolytes and nutrients to balance it out you will be fine, but if you are deficient of them for long amounts of time (a high carb diet will make you deficient) your body will reflect it with unwellness. A+ non secretor is an interesting combination. A+ are able to eat grains that require certain enzymes that some of us don’t have. Non secretors digest meat better, it seems. We are all different in our needs.
Hi I’m a a b non secretor always struggling with gum disease’ swollen gums sinus acid and visual problems and anxiety have driven me crazy
i have tried all b non secretor suggestions swami and still i have issues light headed dizzy dehydration fatigue chronic hives at times and peeling soles of feet extra dry skin and head itchy and dry
please any suggestions
So not only do I have combined MTHFR 677T/1298C, I am a non-secretor. Just found this out yesterday after watching your video on youtube. Not sure what came first or is worse or are they connected? I’m glad I have some guidance though and I understand now why I react to so many things. You go through denial many times about your diet because you just don’t understand entirely the big picture. I’m working on it.
Thank you for the informative overview! Neither my gastroenterologist nor my PCP have ever heard of FUT2 so they do not recognize the potential impact on the health of non-secretory.
Thanks for your email. You are smart to learn everything you can. My guess is that in about 5 to 10 years you will be hearing more about FUT 2. Until then keep learning. I am fortunate to have free access to the newest research article through my college that most people have to pay for.
Well, at least you are consistent with your lack of care and concern about real people who are struggling with this condition and have reached out to the Blood Type community through D’Adamo’s site, but nobody seemed to know anything about how to proceed. I guess you are just a shield for D’Adamo. (not posting my comment) I hope you decide differently in the future.
After getting pushback and negative mail, from medical “professionals” I walked away from my site for a while and took a job that took up most of my time. I’m back now because of people like you who let me know that they want to hear what I have learned. As long as I know that there are people who need this knowledge and facts that may not be readily available, I’ll keep this site going. I am no expert. I have learned what I know through personal experience, schooling, and hours and hours of reading research. I’m learning more every day and since Covid, a lot more info is out there. I really do want to help as much as I can. Again I’m no expert, but I’m learning more every day. I thank you so much for contributing with your experience and knowledge.
This info is SO critical. Thanks! My candida, cavities, son’s autism and ear infections. It has taken years to sort these issues. Many doctors miss sometimes subtle ‘small’ symptoms. Keep up the good work!!
Are non-secretors more prone to parasites?
Non-secretors are prone to certain parasites. I have read research that non-secretors are prone to candida and other fungal infections. Interestingly many non-secretors are RH negative who have some protection from toxoplasmosis a parasite from cats.
I’m a non-secretor…. A blood type, 73 years old, and primarily stick to the beneficial list. Question is, what do I need to take in supplementals? For instance calcium and magnesium, and do I need to take L-Lysine every day and/or digestive enzymes/probiotics? Would great appreciate feedback.
Finally an explanation makes sense!! I am A positive non secretor and have been struggling with my health. I was trying to follow the blood type diet and it just wasn’t working for me *eg eating tofu makes me really sick but, avoiding wheat and dairy would help) so I thought it was an outdated diet. I had read about secretor status and therefore gotten the test that showed that I am a non secretor but, finding the right diet recommendations has been difficult. Some say yogurt and soy milk are highly beneficial which is extremely contradictory!! Appreciate your insight and additional diet recommendations would be very helpful!
Nonsecretor status changes a lot when it comes to the gut. One thing I think the blood type diet misses is the blood type of your parents. In some circumstances, I think if your mother was O negative, you may genetically not do well with soy even though you are an A. So check out your parents’ blood type also. I’ve done wellness checks of hundreds of people and when they have specific problems I quickly ask a few questions since I only have a few minutes to go over results with them. I often find a parent’s blood type may carry a lot more weight than you would think as far as the blood type diet is concerned.
If a parent, especially a mother, is O blood type it can change some of the dynamics also. Non-secretors don’t seem to do well with foods that need a long growing season and/or grains that require a lot of digestion.
I am the same, A+ non secretor. D’Adamo has not made it well known that he wrote The BTD for secretors. However, he made modifications in a subsequent book, Live Right 4YT, is again recommending items like beans,nuts/seeds/whole grains, etc. with phytic acid which is anathema for non-secretors. I have had so much dental work, it is ridiculous. Eating low carb has been problematic too, because I have been getting folliculitis due to skin acid mantle not getting enough calcium/magnesium from diet. I need magnesium supplementation big time, as it is found only in foods with high phytic acid, ie, nuts/seeds/beans/whole grains.
I take magnesium citrate powder in water before bedtime. I would think A+ nonsecretors have the hardest time. Be glad you are not A-. Knowing your parent’s blood type may be a little help too. Work on learning whatever you can. Me being an O- nonsecretor makes me more like only 2 percent of the world’s population. I’m sure there aren’t many people similar to you with blood type and food intolerances. Make sure you take a good digestive enzyme. Most nonsecretors have low alkaline phosphatase which can cut down on your ability to digest proteins and fats.
please add me to email list for future data-much appreciated-
It’s good to read an article like this, that shows the writer has common sense! You certainly made me think! Thanks-I hadn’t thought of things from that angle otherwise. Will share this…
Thank you! I am no expert but I know secretor status is important. Studies are now emerging that point to nonsecretors having some protection from Covid. I am now gathering info with links.
This is valuable advice for my subscribers, so I’ll share this article and you should probably get some new readers. It’s a step up from anything else I’ve seen when it comes to this subject. Thank you for the fresh info!
But having surplus weight is bad for your health. It may result in An increase in blood pressure, which then raises your odds of suffering a stroke. In addition, it can lead to high blood glucose (diabetes), higher cholesterol and heart disease. Here are seven simple things you can do to start losing weight. They’re simple to perform. They take no intricate thought, no substantial quantities of willpower. Anyone can do them. Then once the weight starts coming off, perhaps you’ll have the motivation to make even larger changes that may lead to even more weight loss. The Solution is you should eat complex carbohydrates, which usually Come in high fiber foods. Complex carbohydrates break down slowly in your blood, giving you a continuous blood sugar level throughout the day. This then makes you feel less hungry and irritable during these periods of the day when you may feel hungry — like mid-morning and mid-afternoon. On the other hand, the carbohydrates you need to stay away from are Simple carbohydrates. These carbs are more readily broken down by the body Which results in your blood being bombarded with simple sugars (glucose). http://view-free.info/7dSR
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Alcoholism has been associated with the Non-secretor blood type. On the positive side, alcohol consumption appears to exert a protective effect on lung function and to lower the risk of heart disease more in Non-secretors than in Secretors. The key principle with the use of alcohol is for Non-secretors (and everybody actually) is moderation.
Thanks for your insight. Another thing to consider is the fact that non-secretors seem to have the perfect breeding terrain for fungus like candida to overgrow. So odd symptoms like feeling cold, generalized pain in extremities, headaches, and numbness may be the result of a combination of alcohol and candida. Since we often don’t detoxify well it’s important that us non-secretors understand how acetaldehyde affects us when we consume alcohol.
Thank you. How can blood type O non-secretors get enough calcium naturally in the diet … without supplements … in addition to unsweetened yogurt? Are there any cheeses that can be taken?
Are non secretors relatively immune to Covid19? Can they often stop or control virus replication as with hiv?
Thanks for your comment. I know that there is evidence that O blood type is less likely to be infected with coronavirus but I have seen very little research pointing to secretor status and COVID 19. One reason is that the (novel) coronavirus/COVID 19 is well… novel, meaning unlike others, so they know little about it yet. Another thing to consider is that they haven’t studied secretor status much. They do know that certain viruses don’t attach well to nonsecretors. I believe when the host or person with the illness is the major factor in how well the virus progresses we should try to understand why. Here in the United States understanding the disease to prevent it is far less important than the opportunity to make millions of dollars. Nonsecretors are more likely to have underlying health conditions. I would like to know why some quickly take a turn for the worse and some have no symptoms. I’m always looking for any information on this that I can find.
Wow, pretty terrifying. Is there anywhere with advice on how to stay healthy as a non-secretor?
Eating as simple as possible is best. Since many key enzymes we need for digestion and cell synthesis are in short supply, fruits, vegetables, and certain meats or fish should be the basic foods. A high carb diet is the worst for us.
Finally someone with good info about nonsecretors! Keep giving us more.
Thank you!
Great article! Could you give us some idea of what non secretors should be eating!
Thank you.
Thanks! Non-secretors are better off eating simple unprocessed foods. Gluten is a big no no for them and so is milk unless in the unsweetened yogurt form. Sugar in even small amounts can cause pain and inflammation. Since they lack certain enzymes needed in carb metabolism, it is important that they keep carb intake low. What us non-secretors should eat has to do with our gut, its state of health and what it is capable of. I suspect people that are on a carnivore diet have gut issues and poor digestion of carbs and grains. Simple meat, fish, and vegetables are best. If gluten has damaged the gut then the nonsecretor may have to eliminate high oxalate vegetables also. GMO’s and anything that is not entirely natural can cause problems.
Thank you SO much for this post and follow-on information. I’m struggling bigtime right now, and trying to keep surgeons from cutting me!
The latest finding is a 9 mm kidney stone. I’m now trying to re-adjust my diet to low oxalate. The adjustments seem never-ending.
Please read the oxalate post. Hopefully, it will give you a little more insight to help manage your problem.