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The carnivore diet, which consists exclusively of animal products, has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in managing chronic conditions. However, concerns linger about its adequacy in meeting all essential micronutrient requirements. A recent study published in Nutrients delves into the micronutrient composition of four variations of the carnivore diet, comparing them to established national nutrient reference values (NRVs) from the New Zealand Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
The Carnivore Diet and Nutrient Adequacy
Chronic metabolic diseases are on the rise globally, prompting a shift toward alternative dietary strategies, including the carnivore diet, which eliminates plant-based foods. While this diet may hold promise for reducing inflammation and managing certain health conditions, its potential to cause micronutrient deficiencies remains a key concern. Unlike plant-based diets, which can lead to deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron, the carnivore diet raises questions about the adequacy of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium.
Some proponents of the carnivore diet suggest that eliminating plant antigens and xenobiotic secondary metabolites might provide greater benefits than low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets. However, evidence linking the diet to anti-inflammatory effects is inconclusive, and high consumption of animal products has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, questions persist about whether the diet could induce metabolic adaptations that lower nutrient needs.
About the Study
The recent study aimed to evaluate the micronutrient adequacy of four different carnivore diet plans for average Australian men and women, aged 19 to 50, based on their total energy expenditure and body weight. The diet plans were designed to meet specific nutrient thresholds set by national health authorities, with an emphasis on protein intake (25-30% of total energy), fat (70-75% of total calories), and minimal carbohydrates (less than 5%).
Two versions of the diet were created for each gender. One plan included dairy to boost calcium intake, while the other incorporated liver to provide vital micronutrients such as iron and vitamin A. The meal plans were designed using minimally processed foods.
Study Findings
The study compared the four carnivore meal plans against recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) and adequate intakes (AIs) for various micronutrients. The results showed that the meal plans exceeded the RDI for several nutrients, including riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. However, the diet fell short of the RDI for thiamin, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin C, iodine, and folate.
Fiber intake was less than 1% of the recommended amount in all meal plans, and potassium intake was below the RDI in most plans. The meal plans including dairy led to higher calcium intake, but it still fell short of the RDI for calcium, especially in males. Iron levels surpassed the RDI for females when liver was included in the diet, while iodine intake exceeded the RDI when iodized salt was used.
The study also revealed that versions of the carnivore diet without dairy or organ meats like liver were at a higher risk of nutrient inadequacies.
Conclusions
Despite meeting many of the NRV thresholds, the carnivore diet still left gaps in the intake of several vital nutrients. The researchers proposed that metabolic adaptations might lower the requirement for certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, but this hypothesis requires further investigation. The study underscored the need for careful dietary planning and professional guidance to address potential micronutrient deficiencies, particularly for those excluding essential food groups like dairy or organ meats.
While some people may benefit from the carnivore diet, supplementation with key vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium may be necessary to avoid deficiencies. The researchers also highlighted the limitations of their study, including the reliance on theoretical meal plans and the analysis of only a single day’s worth of food, which may not represent long-term dietary habits.
The findings serve as a reminder of the importance of balanced nutrition and the need for personalized dietary recommendations when considering restrictive eating patterns like the carnivore diet.
Reference:
Goedeke, S., Murphy, T., Rush, A., & Zinn, C. (2025). “Assessing the Nutrient Composition of a Carnivore Diet: A Case Study Model.” Nutrients, 17(1), 140. doi:10.3390/nu17010140
