From the Guidelines
The carnivore diet can lead to several serious health complications, including nutrient deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, and digestive disorders, and is not recommended for long-term consumption due to the potential for severe health consequences. This restrictive eating pattern, which includes only animal products and excludes all plant foods, may cause nutrient deficiencies particularly in vitamin C, folate, and fiber, potentially leading to scurvy, anemia, and severe constipation 1. The high saturated fat content can elevate cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Without fiber, gut health deteriorates, disrupting the microbiome and potentially causing digestive disorders and increased inflammation.
Some studies have suggested that reducing red meat intake may have health benefits, such as reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes 1. However, other studies have found that the evidence for a link between red meat intake and chronic diseases is not consistent, and that intervention studies have not been able to demonstrate a clear causal link between red meat intake and negative health outcomes 1.
Key points to consider when evaluating the health effects of the carnivore diet include:
- The potential for nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin C, folate, and fiber
- The high saturated fat content and potential for increased cardiovascular disease risk
- The lack of fiber and potential for digestive disorders and disrupted gut health
- The potential for increased cancer risk due to the lack of plant antioxidants and phytonutrients
- The potential for disordered eating patterns and social eating difficulties due to the extreme restriction of the diet.
Overall, while some people may report short-term benefits from the carnivore diet, the long-term consequences of eliminating entire food groups can be severe, and most medical professionals recommend a more balanced approach to nutrition that includes both animal and plant foods.
From the Research
Health Complications of the Carnivore Diet
- The study 2 found that adults consuming a carnivore diet experienced few adverse effects and instead reported health benefits and high satisfaction.
- However, the study 2 also found that participants had markedly elevated LDL-cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The study 3 found that higher dietary intake and/or blood concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, and α-tocopherol were associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality, but a carnivore diet may be low in these nutrients.
- The study 4 found that vitamin and mineral supplementation was associated with little or no benefit in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and death, and that some supplements may be associated with higher risk of serious harms.
Nutrient Deficiencies
- A carnivore diet may be low in certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and α-tocopherol, which are found in higher amounts in plant-based foods 3.
- The study 5 found that vegetarians may be at risk of deficiency in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B(12), vitamin D, ω-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc, but that a well-planned vegetarian diet can be nutritionally adequate.
- The study 6 found that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk
- The study 2 found that participants on a carnivore diet had elevated LDL-cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The study 3 found that higher dietary intake and/or blood concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, and α-tocopherol were associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The study 4 found that vitamin and mineral supplementation was associated with little or no benefit in preventing cardiovascular disease.