Is the carnivore diet healthy?
November 7, 2024
A comprehensive review of literature on the carnivore diet suggests both potential benefits and significant concerns. Historically, the "Carnivore Connection" hypothesis suggests that insulin resistance evolved as a survival advantage due to low carbohydrate availability during certain periods of human evolution, particularly pre-agricultural times (1, 5). This diet emphasizes consuming exclusively animal-based foods, leading to a high protein and fat intake while eliminating carbohydrates (2).
Clinical reports indicate potential health benefits for specific conditions. Studies suggest the carnivore diet may reduce symptoms of conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and inflammatory bowel disease due to carbohydrate elimination (3, 6). Additionally, some self-reported data from carnivore diet adherents suggest improvements in metabolic markers and overall health satisfaction, although there is an increase in LDL cholesterol levels, indicating a complex risk profile for cardiovascular disease (4).
Conversely, substantial concerns include potential nutrient deficiencies due to the exclusion of plant-based foods, which traditionally supply essential vitamins and fiber (2, 26). Some studies point at dietary fiber's critical role in maintaining gut health, which could be compromised by this diet (26). Furthermore, environmental analyses of diet carbon footprints indicate that the carnivore diet presents the highest environmental impact compared to vegetarian or vegan alternatives (20).
In comparative genomic studies, strict carnivores have gene family contractions in starch metabolism, showing dietary adaptation (42), while anecdotal evidence and media narratives often inflate the diet’s benefits, ignoring scientific limitations (11).
In conclusion, while the carnivore diet might offer short-term relief for specific health conditions, long-term adherence raises concerns. There is a need for more rigorous, long-term clinical studies to fully understand its benefits and risks, as well as strategies to mitigate potential nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, environmental and ethical considerations remain significant in evaluating the sustainability of such a diet.
References
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