NUTRITION
WHAT IS THE CARNIVORE DIET?“ The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating pattern that includes only animalbased foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy, while completely excluding all plant foods,” explains Lize Snyman, a registered dietician operating from Mediclinic Kloof, Cintocare Private Hospital in Menlyn Maine and Life Eugene Marais Hospital in Pretoria.“ Depending on the individual’ s approach – whether very strict or more relaxed – dairy products may be included or excluded.”
Whereas other high-protein, lowcarbohydrate approaches, like keto or paleo, still allow for low-carb vegetables, nuts, seeds, and unprocessed foods such as fruits and vegetables, the carnivore diet is far more extreme, eliminating entire food groups that typically provide essential nutrients.
BENEFITS AND RISKS As Snyman points out, many supporters of the carnivore diet often report short-term benefits such as weight loss, reduced cravings, and improved blood sugar control.“ This is largely due to the elimination of processed foods and refined carbohydrates.”
However, from a clinical perspective, Snyman adds that these benefits can also be achieved through a more balanced and less restrictive approach that is easier to maintain over the long term.
“ In fact, eliminating plant foods entirely increases the risk of several nutritional deficiencies,” warns Snyman.“ Concerns include a lack of dietary fibre, vitamin C, certain B vitamins, and important antioxidants that support overall health.”
She also notes that this type of diet is often high in saturated fat and low in nutrients that support heart and gut health.“ Over time, this imbalance can increase the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and, more often than not, severe constipation.”
As many medical and health experts have found, overly restrictive diets can lead to unintended consequences – particularly when followed without professional guidance.
GUT HEALTH AND THE CARNIVORE DIET Gut health has become a buzz phrase in the health and wellness industry, as it’ s closely linked to immunity, metabolic function, and mental wellbeing.“ Gut health is closely linked to dietary diversity, particularly the intake of fibre from plant foods. Fibre plays a crucial role in feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy digestive system,” says Snyman.
Because the carnivore diet excludes all sources of fibre, it may negatively affect the diversity and balance of the gut microbiome over time.“ This can lead to issues such as constipation and may have longer-term implications for immune and metabolic health,” she explains.“ The intake of soluble fibre is also associated with the prevention of colon cancer.”
Snyman recommends a varied diet rich in whole foods – especially fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds – to support gut health and maintain a resilient microbiome.
FINAL THOUGHTS In Snyman’ s experience, from both a health and sustainability perspective, the carnivore diet is difficult to maintain over the long term.“ Its restrictive nature makes it challenging to follow socially and nutritionally, and it may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.”
There’ s also the environmental perspective to consider.“ Diets that rely heavily on animal-based foods tend to have a larger ecological footprint compared to more balanced eating patterns that include plant foods,” she says.
Instead, Snyman encourages her patients to focus on balanced, sustainable eating habits that support both personal health and long-term wellbeing, rather than extreme dietary approaches. IB
JUNE 2026 / INBOUND SA 67