Is the carnivore diet dangerous? This question often arises due to misconceptions and outdated science about this meat-based way of eating. Critics frequently cite potential dangers. However, many of these concerns arise from misconceptions or outdated science. Below, we address seven common “lies” told about the carnivore diet and provide evidence-based rebuttals to dispel these myths.

Lie #1: Lie #1: The Carnivore Diet Causes Vitamin C Deficiency

Claim: Without plant-based sources of vitamin C, carnivore dieters risk developing scurvy.
Evidence: A low-carb or zero-carb diet significantly reduces the body’s vitamin C requirements because glucose competes with vitamin C for cellular uptake. Fresh meat and organ meats provide enough vitamin C to prevent deficiency (Ljungqvist et al., 1997). Additionally, historical accounts of indigenous populations thriving on meat-based diets further support this claim. The concern, ‘Is the carnivore diet dangerous due to vitamin C deficiency?’ lacks merit.

Citation:

• Ljungqvist, O., et al. (1997). “Vitamin C in relation to glucose in human metabolism.” Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition.

Lie #2: The Carnivore Diet Lacks Fiber, Leading to Digestive Issues

Claim: Fiber is essential for healthy bowel movements and preventing colon cancer.
Evidence: Eswaran et al. (2013) reviewed data showing that fiber does not always improve constipation or reduce colon cancer risk. Many carnivore dieters report regular bowel movements, likely because they avoid gut inflammation caused by plant antinutrients. Furthermore, this evidence challenges the assumption that fiber is indispensable for digestive health. Thus, the claim that fiber is necessary for regularity and colon health remains unsupported.

Citation:

• Eswaran, S., et al. (2013). “Fiber and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.” American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Lie #3: The Carnivore Diet Harms the Gut Microbiome

Claim: A meat-only diet destroys gut microbiome diversity.
Evidence: Clarke et al. (2014) studied high-protein diets and found that they foster unique, adaptive gut microbiome compositions. The gut microbiome of carnivore dieters often specializes in digesting animal products. Therefore, a meat-only diet changes the microbiome, but it does not necessarily harm it. Instead, the evidence suggests that the microbiome effectively adapts to dietary inputs.

Citation:

• Clarke, S. F., et al. (2014). “Exercise and associated dietary extremes impact on gut microbial diversity.” Gut.

Lie #4: High Salt Intake on the Carnivore Diet Increases Blood Pressure

Claim: Consuming more salt on a carnivore diet causes hypertension and heart disease.
Evidence: DiNicolantonio (2017) debunked the idea that salt universally raises blood pressure, especially for individuals on low-carb diets. Carnivore dieters often report stable or improved blood pressure, likely because they maintain better electrolyte balance. Additionally, low-carb diets cause the kidneys to excrete more sodium, which increases the body’s need for salt. These findings show that higher salt intake can benefit low-carb and carnivore diets.

Citation:

• DiNicolantonio, J. J. (2017). The Salt Fix: Why the Experts Got It All Wrong.

Lie #5: Saturated Fat in the Carnivore Diet Causes Heart Disease

Claim: The saturated fat consumed on a carnivore diet clogs arteries and leads to heart disease.
Evidence: Siri-Tarino et al. (2010) conducted a meta-analysis and found no significant link between saturated fat and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, populations like the Maasai, who consume diets rich in animal fat, show low rates of heart disease. These findings debunk the outdated belief that saturated fat causes heart disease. Consequently, individuals following the carnivore diet need not fear saturated fat consumption.

Citation:

• Siri-Tarino, P. W., et al. (2010). “Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Lie #6: A Meat-Only Diet Lacks Phytochemicals Necessary for Health

Claim: Phytochemicals from plants are essential for preventing disease.
Evidence: Stefansson (1946) documented the excellent health of Arctic populations who ate only animal foods for extended periods. Long-term carnivores also report excellent health without phytochemicals. These accounts show that phytochemicals are not essential when individuals follow an exclusively animal-based diet. Therefore, the claim exaggerates the importance of phytochemicals in a meat-only diet.

Citation:

• Stefansson, V. (1946). Not by Bread Alone: A Carnivore’s Diet.

Lie #7: Nitrates and Nitrites in Processed Meats Cause Cancer

Claim: Processed meats containing nitrates and nitrites significantly increase cancer risk.
Evidence: Hord et al. (2009) noted that nitrates and nitrites from natural sources, including vegetables, often provide health benefits. Furthermore, scientists are now researching nitrites for their ability to lower blood pressure. High-quality processed meats consumed on a carnivore diet are unlikely to pose the risks that poorly controlled studies highlight. Thus, fears about nitrates and nitrites appear overstated.

Citation:

• Hord, N. G., et al. (2009). “Nutritional and health benefits of dietary nitrates and nitrites.” Journal of Nutrition.

Conclusion

The carnivore diet has faced criticism due to myths, outdated science, and misunderstandings. However, current evidence often contradicts these concerns. Moreover, this report demonstrates how these seven alleged dangers lack valid support. Therefore, the carnivore diet offers a safe and health-promoting option for many individuals. Instead of wondering, ‘Is the carnivore diet dangerous?’ focus on the diet’s proven benefits and real-world success stories.

Revolutionize Your Carnivore Journey with the Carnivore Bar

Are you ready to embrace the carnivore lifestyle without the hassle of meal prep? The Carnivore Bar is the perfect companion for anyone dedicated to a meat-based way of eating. Made from 100% grass-fed beef, tallow, and salt, it delivers the purest form of animal-based nutrition—convenient, delicious, and portable.

Whether you’re on the go, hiking, or simply looking for a reliable source of clean carnivore fuel, the Carnivore Bar ensures you stay on track with your health goals. Say goodbye to processed snacks and hello to real food that supports your body’s needs.

💥 Experience the simplicity and power of the Carnivore Bar today!

Click here to learn more and fuel your carnivore journey with confidence.