Can a carnivore diet provide all essential nutrients? : Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity (2024)

FAQs

Can a carnivore diet provide all essential nutrients? : Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity? ›

Diets containing high animal products have been associated with high amounts of saturated fat and low amounts of essential nutrients such as fiber among other nutritional deficiencies [27]. However, a recent 2020 study suggests that all essential nutrients can be obtained through a carnivore diet [28] .

Because of systematic differences in metabolism and food matrix contexts, requirements on a carnivore diet may likewise differ systematically. Historical and clinical data suggest that all acute micronutrient needs can be met without plants, but long-term consequences are unknown.

The carnivore diet's effects on health

People with diabetes say it's been able to help them stabilize their blood sugar. “From a biochemistry standpoint, if you're eating only meat, you're largely not taking in glucose, so your blood glucose levels would not be affected,” says Dr.

No controlled studies support claims that the carnivore diet can help eliminate health issues. It lacks beneficial nutrients, including fiber and plant compounds like antioxidants. It may be unsafe for some people.

The carnivore diet, being low in carbohydrates, can help stabilize insulin levels, potentially reducing hormone-related breakouts. Moreover, the intake of healthy fats from animal sources supports hormone production and can contribute to hormonal balance.

Like many other fad diets, the carnivore diet is nothing more than a “quick fix,” Zelman says. “It's very restrictive, unsustainable, and there's no evidence to support its claims.” What's more, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Meat and poultry are great sources of protein. They also provide lots of other nutrients your body needs, like iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins (especially B12) and essential fatty acids.

In the end, our experts can't recommend the carnivore diet. “There are other significantly healthier and more balanced eating strategies that include plant-based foods, which can be used to elicit the same purported results,” Acerra says.

Processed or fatty meats

A 2020 study showed that eating just 50 g red meat or fish each day can raise diabetes risk by 11%. Also, people with diabetes should consider avoiding or limiting the intake of: breaded, fried, and high-sodium meats. processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats.

A carnivore diet could lead to some serious gaps (and excesses) in your nutrition. Eating exclusively animal products is likely to take you over recommended limits for sodium and saturated fat, as well as create deficiencies in nutrients from plant foods, such as fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols.

What is the healthiest diet in the world? ›

Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and MIND Diets Are the Best Diets of 2024. All three diets are highly recommended by doctors because of their known health benefits. “The Mediterranean eating plan doesn't have a set calorie range or portion guidelines, which is why it can fit almost anyone's needs.

Harvard Carnivore Study

The researchers concluded, “Contrary to common expectations, adults consuming a carnivore diet experienced few adverse effects and instead reported health benefits and high satisfaction.” The positive health benefits including: 93% improved or resolved obesity and excess weight.

The carnivore diet can be risky, especially for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a history of heart disease. The lack of fiber can also cause constipation and poor gut health. Consult a healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian, before starting a carnivore diet.

The duration of the carnivore diet needed for gut healing is very patient-dependent. Some individuals will only need a month before they're able to reintroduce foods from the plant kingdom while others with severely impaired gut function and potential additional root causes may require several months or more.

Certain lifestyle practices, including exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet rich is protein and fiber can help naturally balance your hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that have profound effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Many carnivores get their energy and nutrients by eating herbivores, omnivores, and other carnivores. The animals that eat secondary consumers, like owls that eat rodents, are known as tertiary consumers. Carnivores that have no natural predators are known as apex predators; they occupy the top of the food chain.

There are some essential vitamins found only in animal products: Vitamin A (Retinol), B12, Carnitine, Carnosine, Creatine, D3, DHA, EPA, Heme Iron, and Taurine. Whether you've heard of them or not, these vitamins play an active role in our health and how we function on a day-to-day basis.

And omnivores eat both plants and animals. But some omnivores and carnivores would die if they had a completely plant-based diet. For example, cats need meat for the nutrients it contains and because they can't digest plants well. This is true for all cats, from a terrifying tiger to a teeny tabby cat.