A survey of literature and review of the knowledge on nutritional adequacy of the "carnivore" diet.
Purpose of review: The aim of this study was to summarize current contributions affecting knowledge and predictions about the nutritional adequacy of plant-free diets, contextualized by historical accounts.
Recent findings: As demonstrated in recent experiments, nutrient interactions and metabolic effects of ketogenic diets can impact nutritional needs, sometimes resulting in nutrient-sparing effects. Other studies highlight conflicting hypotheses about the expected effect on metabolic acidosis, and therefore mineral status, of adding alkaline mineral-rich vegetables.
Summary: A carnivore diet is a newly popular, but as yet sparsely studied form of ketogenic diet in which plant foods are eliminated such that all, or almost all, nutrition derives from animal sourced foods. Ketogenic diets are already nutritionally controversial due to their near-complete absence of carbohydrate and high dietary fat content, but most ketogenic diet advocates emphasize the inclusion of plant foods. In this review, we discuss the implications of relying solely on animal sourced foods in terms of essential nutrient status.
Key Points
- All essential nutrients can be found in animal sourced foods.
- Some such nutrients are not commonly eaten in high enough amounts to meet recommended intakes.
- Studies on individuals eating only meat did not reveal nutrient deficiencies.
- Carnivore diet nutrient profiles and effects on metabolism may reduce or increase the needs for some nutrients.
- More study is warranted to understand long term implications of plant-free diets
CONCLUSION Every essential nutrient can be found in ASFs, but not always in high levels in commonly eaten ones. Some nutrients are rarer than others and may require planning if the goal is to guarantee meeting established recommended daily allowances. Because of systematic differences in metabolism and food matrix contexts, requirements on a carnivore diet may likewise differ systematically. Historical and clinical data suggest that all acute micronutrient needs can be met without plants, but long-term consequences are unknown. Calcium levels in particular may be compromised over time, and merit further study, especially in order to disentangle effects of acidity, bone growth stimulation and interacting nutrients
DOI [Paywall] https://doi.org/10.1097/med.0000000000000576
Full PDF Here
Yes, but you can't eat just muscle tissue. You'll need to be eating organs and eyeballs and shit as well. Possibly even bones and brains. Everything you need to survive is in that other animal somewhere -- you just have to find it.
I eat only meat, the associated fat, oily fish, and eggs. I have experienced no deficiency that can be picked up by any test or affect, at all.
Turns out you just need to eat what tastes good. And for most modern zero carb carnivore red muscle meat is sufficient - there is some debate about organ meats in the community but no documented deficiencies.
Stew and bone broth will get all the nutrients out of those pesky nooks and crannies.