17 hours Ago By George Citroner
A controversial meat-only diet touted by some for treating metabolic diseases may leave followers deficient in crucial nutrients unless they carefully incorporate organ meats and dairy products, according to new research. Rising rates of metabolic diseases have sparked interest in alternative diets that challenge traditional nutrition advice. While doctors typically recommend fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, some patients are adopting more restrictive approaches, including diets that eliminate plant foods.
Of particular concern was the finding that sodium intake was 15 to 20 times higher than recommended levels. Two meal plans were designed for men between 19 and 50 and two for women of the same age group. One pair of diets (male and female) included dairy to address calcium levels, and one pair incorporated liver for essential micronutrients like iron and vitamin A.
Though the carnivore diet lacks a universal definition, the researchers designed the diets to ensure that protein constituted 25 percent to 30 percent of energy intake, with the remaining calories coming primarily from fat. However, the diet was lacking in thiamin, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin C, iodine, and folate. Fiber intake was particularly low at less than 1 percent of recommended levels, and three of the four diet variations showed insufficient potassium.
Study author Sylvia Goedeke, a registered dietitian with a doctorate specializing in insulin resistance, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy nutrition, told The Epoch Times that “identifying these nutrient gaps can help to guide supplementation.” She also admitted that “yes, people following this diet probably should take calcium, specifically if they’re not consuming dairy. The common view is that inadequate calcium intake can lead to mineral depletion from bone.
” The researchers theorized that following a carnivore diet may reduce our need for specific micronutrients. For instance, people on the carnivore diet may need less vitamin C. Vitamin C is required to make the amino acid carnitine, but carnitine is plentiful in meat.
Therefore, following a carnivore diet may reduce one’s daily requirement for this vitamin. However, the researchers cautioned that further research is needed to substantiate this claim. Adding specific foods helped address some deficiencies in the study participants.
The addition of dairy allowed for a 74 percent and 84 percent increase in calcium intake for males and females, respectively. However, intake still fell short of the recommended 1,000 milligrams per day. While he was not involved in the study, Vukasinov explained that the diet’s high protein and fat content can promote feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake.
He noted that eliminating processed foods and sugars may help stabilize blood glucose levels and reduce cravings. The diet’s limited food choices also make meal planning more straightforward and less overwhelming for many people. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins C, E, and K, as well as folate and fiber Difficulty maintaining the diet long-term Potential cardiovascular risks from high saturated fat intake Lack of beneficial plant compounds such as phytonutrients and antioxidants.
