Is a carnivore diet effective in reducing inflammation?

From the Guidelines

The carnivore diet may be considered for reducing inflammation in some individuals, but its effectiveness varies significantly between people, and it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the lack of long-term safety data and the importance of a balanced diet for overall health, as suggested by the most recent study 1. When considering the carnivore diet for inflammation, it's essential to understand that this eating approach involves eliminating all plant foods and focusing exclusively on animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy. For those interested in trying this diet, starting with a 30-day elimination period of unprocessed meats like beef, lamb, poultry, and fish, while avoiding plant foods, processed meats, and most dairy (except butter and hard cheeses if tolerated), might be a strategy. It's also important to drink plenty of water and consider electrolyte supplementation, especially during the initial adaptation period when side effects like fatigue, headaches, and digestive changes are common. The potential anti-inflammatory effects of the carnivore diet may stem from eliminating plant compounds that trigger sensitivities in some individuals (like lectins, oxalates, and phytates), reducing carbohydrate intake which can lower insulin levels, and providing nutrients that support tissue repair, as noted in earlier studies 1. However, the diet's effectiveness for inflammation varies significantly between individuals, with some reporting dramatic improvements in autoimmune conditions and others seeing no benefit. Given the restrictive nature of the carnivore diet and the lack of long-term safety data, it is crucial for individuals considering this approach to work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor nutritional status and health markers. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is generally recommended for overall health, and any significant dietary changes should be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with existing health conditions or concerns, as emphasized in the latest clinical practice update 1.

From the Research

Carnivore Diet and Inflammation

• The carnivore diet, consisting exclusively of animal products, has been explored for its potential benefits in reducing inflammation and managing chronic metabolic diseases 2.
• A case series of 10 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found that a carnivore-ketogenic diet led to universal clinical improvements, with scores ranging from 72 to 165 points on the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) 3.
• The diet's potential benefits for inflammation may be attributed to its high content of certain nutrients, such as riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, selenium, and Vitamin A, which were found to meet or exceed national nutrient reference values (NRVs) in a case study model 2.

Nutrient Adequacy and Potential Risks

• While the carnivore diet may offer benefits for managing certain chronic conditions, it also poses risks of micronutrient inadequacies, particularly in thiamin, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin C, as well as iron, folate, iodine, and potassium in some cases 2.
• Fibre intake was also found to be significantly below recommended levels, which may have implications for gut health and inflammation 2.
• The metabolic contexts of consuming a carnivore diet may facilitate a lower requirement of certain nutrients, but tailored nutritional guidance and supplementation strategies are recommended to ensure careful consideration of micronutrient intake and prevent deficiencies 2, 4.

Implications for Inflammatory Conditions

• The therapeutic effects of low residue elimination diets on colonic microbiota metabolism, as well as the inverse association between intestinal ketone levels and IBD activity, suggest that ketogenic and carnivore diets may hold promise for the treatment of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease 3.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of a carnivore diet on essential nutrient status and its potential benefits and risks for managing inflammatory conditions 4.