9 red flags of the 'carnivore diet'
carnivore diet
You're missing nutrients. You're not getting the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that you would be from fruits and veggies and all sorts of stuff.
—Jen Caudle, DO
The carnivore diet—a zero-carb, all-meat approach—has been gaining traction online, but is it safe?
Family medicine physician Jen Caudle, DO, breaks it down in a recent TikTok video, highlighting both the appeal and the potential hazards of this extreme diet.
Related: 5 trendy diets that aren’t worth your timeWhat the carnivore diet is
At its core, the carnivore diet is essentially an intensified version of keto, Dr. Caudle said. Followers consume primarily meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, some dairy, and water. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are completely off the menu.
While variations exist depending on the source, the basic premise is the same: almost zero carbohydrates.
"You're missing nutrients," Dr. Caudle said. "You're not getting the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that you would be from fruits and veggies and all sorts of stuff."
9 potential red flags
Dr. Caudle identified nine areas of concern that clinicians should keep in mind when counseling patients who are curious about—or already following—this diet:
High saturated fat intake: A meat-heavy diet can spike LDL cholesterol, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Kidney stones and gout: High protein and purine intake may predispose some patients to these conditions.
Kidney strain: Excessive protein can stress renal function, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
Adherence challenges: Restrictive diets are notoriously difficult to maintain long-term, and zero-carb approaches can be especially daunting.
Cognitive effects: Some individuals report brain fog or difficulty concentrating when cutting out carbohydrates entirely.
Low fiber: The lack of plant-based foods can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.
Increased sodium: Depending on preparation methods, sodium intake can rise, contributing to hypertension.
Nutrient gaps: Eliminating fruits and vegetables limits antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral intake.
Environmental impact: Higher meat consumption has measurable ecological consequences, an often overlooked aspect of diet counseling.
Dr. Caudle's comment section was abuzz with opinions on the carnivore diet. For instance, TikTok user @Da GreyWolf said: "Then why is it when I’m on a standard diet my numbers are always poor? Then when I switch back to carnivore my numbers get better and lose weight without being hungry? BP down, LDL lower, clearer skin, kidney function better."
Another TikTok user, @mandys402, echoed similar sentiments: "Carnivore for two years. Beef, bacon, butter, and eggs. My blood work is awesome. I feel amazing. Zero inflammation in my body."
While some patients may experiment with the carnivore diet for weight loss or perceived health benefits, the potential risks can still be significant.
Clinicians should assess cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic risk factors and counsel patients on possible nutrient deficiencies. Monitoring and periodic labs may be warranted if a patient is committed to a strict zero-carb approach.