What carnivores lack
While animal products contain many vitamins and minerals, some essential micronutrients are almost completely nonexistent or only present in trace amounts. Long-term deficiencies can lead to health problems such as digestive issues, a weakened immune system or increased risk of chronic diseases. Here is an overview of the most important nutrients that are missing or insufficient in a purely carnivorous diet:
| Nutrient | Function |
Main sources (vegetable) | Possible deficiency symptoms |
| Vitamin C | Strengthens the immune system, supports healing, vital for collagen formation, antioxidant | Fruit (citrus fruits, berries), vegetables (peppers, broccoli) | Weaker immune defenses, poor healing, increased susceptibility to infection, scurvy (in extreme cases) |
| Dietary fiber | Promotes intestinal health, regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels | Wholemeal products, pulses, fruit, vegetables | Digestive problems, constipation, increased risk of bowel cancer and cardiovascular disease |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle function, the nervous system and energy production, important for the heart and bones | Nuts, seeds, wholegrain products, pulses | Muscle cramps, fatigue, sleep disorders, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Vitamin K1 | Essential for blood clotting, keeps bones healthy | Green, leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) | Increased tendency to bleed, weaker bones |
| Vitamin E | Antioxidant, protects cells from damage | Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils | Increased susceptibility to cell damage, weaker skin health |
| Folic acid | Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, vital during pregnancy | Green vegetables, pulses, wholegrain products | Anemia, developmental disorders in utero, fatigue, concentration problems |
| Potassium | Regulates blood pressure and water balance, important for muscle function and the nervous system | Bananas, potatoes, beans | High blood pressure, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmia |
In the short term, the carnivore diet may offer benefits, particularly its weight loss or anti-inflammatory effects. In the long term, however, it is potentially problematic due to nutrient deficiencies, as many essential micronutrients are missing. A balanced diet with both plant- and animal-based nutrition offers the best protection against deficiency symptoms. However, carnivores are not shy about touting their dietary philosophy as loudly as possible.
The power of social media
Personal success stories spread rapidly on social media, which are often presented as proof of the effectiveness of certain diets – even if they are purely anecdotal. People who lose weight quickly on the carnivore diet share their experiences online, along with their sense of feeling fitter. These individual reports are more convincing to many than abstract scientific studies, as they create a direct, emotional connection.
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