From the Guidelines
Following a carnivore diet for one month is not recommended as it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and potential health risks, including increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and uric acid levels 1.
Potential Health Risks
- A diet rich in animal protein, saturated fat, and cholesterol may raise LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease 1
- High-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, and seafood, are high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels and cause gout in susceptible individuals 1
- A surplus of protein in the system can increase urinary calcium loss, potentially facilitating osteoporosis 1
- Elimination or severe restriction of fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole grains from the diet may increase cancer risk 1
Dietary Considerations
A very-high-protein diet is especially risky for patients with diabetes, as it can speed the progression of diabetic renal disease 1. Additionally, a carnivore diet may lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber over the long term, which can have adverse health effects if allowed to persist 1. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes. In general, a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is the best way to support overall health and well-being.
From the Research
Potential Health Effects of a Carnivore Diet
The potential health effects of following a carnivore diet for one month are not well-studied, but available research provides some insights:
- A study of 2029 adults consuming a carnivore diet for ≥6 months reported few adverse effects and improvements in overall health, well-being, and various medical conditions 2.
- The same study found that participants with diabetes reported benefits, including reductions in BMI, glycated hemoglobin, and diabetes medication use 2.
- However, another study assessing the nutrient composition of a carnivore diet found that it may fall short in certain nutrients, such as thiamin, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin C, and fibre intake was significantly below recommended levels 3.
Nutrient Deficiencies and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
- The carnivore diet may pose risks of micronutrient inadequacies, particularly in thiamin, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin C, and fibre intake 3.
- A study on dietary factors and cardiovascular disease risks found that unhealthy diet is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and that high intake of red and processed meats may be associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and mortality 4, 5.
- However, the study on adults consuming a carnivore diet found that cardiovascular disease risk factors were variably affected, with LDL-cholesterol markedly elevated, whereas HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were optimal 2.
Comparison to Other Diets
- A study on the contribution of vegetarian diets to health and disease found that well-balanced vegetarian diets could best prevent nutrient deficiencies and diet-related chronic diseases 6.
- Another study found that healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, had a significant benefit for cardiovascular disease prevention, and that high intakes of legumes, nuts, and chocolate, as well as a vegetarian diet, significantly reduced the risk of coronary heart disease 4.