Do any doctors recommend a carnivore diet? Understanding the Medical Debate

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 survey of carnivore dieters, participants reported high satisfaction and improvements in overall health, though the study's authors acknowledged its major limitations. This self-reported data is often cited by proponents who promote a carnivorous lifestyle, raising the question: do any doctors recommend a carnivore diet outside of anecdotal circles?

Quick Summary

Some practitioners with medical degrees advocate for the carnivore diet based on anecdotal reports and personal experience. Conversely, the vast majority of mainstream medical doctors and registered dietitians advise against this highly restrictive diet due to significant health risks, lack of fiber, and concerns about long-term sustainability.

Key Points

Limited Medical Support: Only a small, controversial group of doctors advocates for the carnivore diet, citing anecdotal and personal experiences, not large-scale clinical trials.
Mainstream Opposition: The majority of health professionals and organizations advise against the carnivore diet due to significant health risks and a lack of supporting scientific evidence.
Nutrient Deficiencies: The exclusion of all plant-based foods leads to a lack of crucial nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, which can cause long-term health problems.
Cardiovascular Risks: The high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol common in the diet is a major concern for heart health, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Biased Evidence: The most frequently cited 'studies' in favor of the diet are often self-reported online surveys with major methodological flaws, not rigorous, controlled scientific research.
Consult a Professional: Due to the risks, anyone considering this diet should first consult with a qualified healthcare professional, like a registered dietitian, for personalized and evidence-based nutritional advice.

Proponents vs. the Medical Mainstream

The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating plan that eliminates all plant-based foods, focusing exclusively on animal products like meat, fish, and eggs. While the general medical and nutritional consensus advises against such a restrictive approach, a small but vocal group of individuals with medical degrees promotes the diet. Understanding the perspectives of both proponents and mainstream experts is crucial for evaluating the diet's safety and effectiveness.

The Advocates: Doctors Who Support a Carnivore Diet

While not representative of the broader medical community, certain doctors have gained a public following for their advocacy of the carnivore diet. These proponents often rely on personal testimonials, limited surveys, and their own experiences rather than large-scale, controlled clinical trials.

Dr. Shawn Baker: A former orthopedic surgeon and a leading promoter of the carnivore diet through his book and social media presence. He cites testimonials as evidence, although his medical license was previously revoked, and controlled studies have not validated his claims.
Dr. Ken Berry: A family physician and YouTuber who promotes the carnivore diet as a potential solution for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity, based on his clinical observations and personal experience.
Dr. Paul Saladino: A psychiatrist and health influencer who promotes the carnivore diet and other animal-based eating plans. His claims are considered pseudoscientific by many in the medical community, and he also promotes controversial practices like consuming raw milk.
Dr. Georgia Ede: A psychiatrist specializing in nutritional and metabolic psychology who has defended the diet in some instances.

The Critics: Why Most Doctors and Nutrition Experts Advise Against It

The overwhelming majority of the medical and nutrition community, including institutions like Harvard Health and the British Heart Foundation, do not recommend the carnivore diet. Their opposition is based on established nutritional science, potential health risks, and a lack of robust long-term evidence. Key concerns include:

Nutrient Deficiencies: By excluding all plant-based foods, the diet can lead to critical deficiencies in fiber, vitamin C, folate, calcium, and potassium, which are vital for overall health.
Cardiovascular Risks: The high intake of saturated fat and cholesterol from animal products can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Kidney and Liver Strain: High protein intake can put significant stress on the kidneys and liver, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Digestive Issues: The complete lack of dietary fiber can lead to constipation and negatively alter the gut microbiome, which is essential for immune function and overall health.
Environmental Impact: Mainstream nutritional bodies also note the significant environmental burden associated with a meat-heavy diet.

A Comparison of Perspectives: Carnivore Advocates vs. Mainstream Consensus


Feature	Carnivore Diet Advocates	Mainstream Medical/Nutritional Community
Evidence Base	Primarily anecdotal reports, personal experiences, and limited, biased survey data.	Extensive, long-term observational studies and randomized controlled trials on balanced diets.
Risks Highlighted	Often downplay or dismiss potential long-term risks, focusing on short-term weight loss or symptom relief.	Emphasize risks of nutrient deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, and kidney issues.
Nutrient Concerns	Claim all essential nutrients are available from animal sources, especially with organ meats and supplements.	Highlight significant deficiencies in fiber, vitamins C and K, folate, and others due to the exclusion of plants.
Sustainability	Not a primary focus for most, though some advocate for specific types of farming.	Often raise concerns about the high environmental impact of meat-centric diets.

Evaluating the Evidence: The Role of Anecdote vs. Controlled Studies

When considering the question, "Do any doctors recommend a carnivore diet?" it's crucial to distinguish between anecdotal evidence and rigorous scientific study. The 2021 Harvard survey, frequently cited by proponents, was a non-controlled, self-reported online survey of individuals already following the diet. This methodology introduces significant bias and cannot be used to prove causation or long-term safety. Real clinical research relies on randomized controlled trials and large-scale observational studies that follow diverse populations over time, which is currently lacking for the carnivore diet.

Why Short-Term Gains Aren't the Whole Story

Some people may experience short-term benefits on the carnivore diet, such as weight loss or reduced inflammation, primarily because they eliminate processed foods and refined sugars. However, these short-term effects do not guarantee long-term health. Mainstream health organizations emphasize that long-term adherence to a diet lacking essential nutrients and fiber poses significant health risks that can outweigh any temporary gains. A balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, has consistently demonstrated long-term health benefits without the risks of severe restriction.

Conclusion

While a few medical practitioners promote the carnivore diet based on anecdotal evidence, the overwhelming majority of the medical community and nutritional experts do not recommend it. The scientific consensus points to a diet rich in a variety of foods as being the most beneficial for long-term health, and the carnivore diet's extreme nature introduces significant risks of nutrient deficiencies and chronic health issues. Individuals considering this diet should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, for personalized guidance, and not rely on potentially biased information from social media or unverified sources.

Key Resources

For those interested in exploring evidence-based nutrition further, resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) offer valuable, unbiased information. [Link: National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7308544/]

Comparison of Diets


Aspect	Carnivore Diet	Balanced/Mediterranean Diet
Food Groups	Exclusively animal products (meat, fish, eggs, some dairy).	Wide variety, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats.
Fiber Content	Zero fiber, leading to potential digestive issues like constipation.	High in fiber, supporting gut health, digestion, and cholesterol management.
Nutrient Profile	High in some nutrients (B12, Iron) but deficient in many others (C, folate, fiber).	Broad and varied nutrient profile, with antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Saturated Fat	Often very high due to fatty meat intake, linked to increased cardiovascular risk.	Focuses on healthy unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
Long-Term Evidence	Lacks long-term, controlled studies; claims largely anecdotal.	Strong, consistent evidence supporting long-term health benefits, especially heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some doctors and health influencers, such as Shawn Baker and Ken Berry, support the carnivore diet based on personal experiences, anecdotal testimonials, and the observation that eliminating processed foods can lead to short-term health improvements.

The consensus among the mainstream medical and nutrition community is to advise against the carnivore diet. Health experts raise concerns about its extreme restrictiveness, potential for nutrient deficiencies, and increased risk of chronic diseases due to high saturated fat intake and zero fiber.

No. There is a lack of high-quality, long-term controlled studies proving the carnivore diet is safe or effective. The evidence cited by proponents is mostly anecdotal or derived from methodologically flawed, self-reported online surveys.

Key risks include potential nutrient deficiencies (e.g., fiber, vitamin C), increased LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk, digestive problems from a lack of fiber, and increased strain on the kidneys and liver from high protein intake.

Claims about the carnivore diet often come from individuals who self-select for specific outcomes, creating confirmation bias. In contrast, scientific evidence from controlled studies shows that balanced, plant-rich diets are associated with better long-term health outcomes and a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Short-term improvements on the carnivore diet are often a result of eliminating highly processed foods and refined sugars, which are common culprits for poor health. However, these short-term effects don't negate the potential for serious long-term health problems caused by extreme dietary restriction.

Before starting any highly restrictive diet, including the carnivore diet, an individual should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, to discuss health risks and safe nutritional strategies.