Study Boosts Health-giving Claims About Carnivore Diet
A recently released exploratory study from Germany adds credible new data to the ongoing debate around the carnivore diet.
Unlike earlier surveys that relied solely on self-reported outcomes, this research combined subjective reports with pre- and post-diet laboratory markers. It thus offers a more detailed look at how individuals respond after sustained adherence.
Australian science broadcaster, Max German, has a new You Tube video addressing the findings:
While the study has limitations, it provides structured insight into metabolic, inflammatory, and symptomatic changes among participants who had followed a carnivore diet for extended periods.
Study Design and Methodology
The researchers recruited 24 individuals who had been following a carnivore diet for at least one month and who had documented blood test results from before starting the diet. Importantly, the average duration on the diet was approximately 17 months, with some participants adhering for more than four years. This allowed assessment beyond the short-term adaptation phase.
Data collection occurred in two primary ways:
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Detailed Questionnaires
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Pre-diet dietary habits
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Duration and strictness of carnivore adherence
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Supplement use
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Motivations for starting
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Self-reported changes in symptoms, energy, cognition, and overall health
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Laboratory Blood Panels
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Pre-diet markers
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Post-diet markers after at least one month (average 17 months)
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This within-person comparison strengthens interpretability relative to single time-point surveys.
Chronic Health Conditions
At baseline, 22 of the 24 participants reported having at least one chronic condition, including metabolic, autoimmune, inflammatory, or gastrointestinal disorders.
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17 participants reported improvement or resolution
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5 participants reported no change
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0 participants reported worsening
While these findings are self-reported and therefore subjective, they suggest perceived clinical benefit among most participants.
Blood Sugar Regulation (HbA1c)
Two participants began the study with prediabetic HbA1c levels. Both experienced reductions after following the carnivore diet.
Although the sample size is small, this suggests potential improvement in long-term glucose regulation among individuals with impaired baseline control.
Triglycerides and Metabolic Stress
Six participants entered the study with elevated triglycerides (>130 mg/dL). All six experienced reductions.
Elevated triglycerides are commonly associated with metabolic dysfunction and systemic inflammation. A universal decrease in this subgroup suggests improved lipid metabolism among those starting with elevated levels.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Inflammation
CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation, showed a notable median decrease:
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Pre-diet median: 0.66 mg/dL
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Post-diet median: 0.1 mg/dL
This shift moved participants from slightly above the reference range to well within low-normal levels. If accurate and sustained, this represents a meaningful reduction in inflammatory burden.
Uric Acid and Gout Concerns
A common criticism of high-meat diets is increased gout risk due to purine intake.
In this study:
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Average uric acid decreased slightly (5.17 → 5.1 mg/dL)
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No participants developed gout
Weight and Body Composition
Most participants, particularly those overweight at baseline, reported weight loss and improved body composition – appetite normalization and reduced cravings were commonly reported.
Energy and Cognitive Function
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89% reported improved energy levels
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Participants described more stable daily energy
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Many reported improved focus, memory, and mental clarity
These outcomes, while are subjective are consistent with anecdotal reports from low-carbohydrate dietary interventions.
Strength and Physical Performance
Approximately 69% of participants reported improvements in strength and endurance.The study did not include performance testing; these outcomes were self-reported. Therefore, conclusions regarding athletic enhancement are subjective.
Overall Interpretation
This study suggests that, among this small group of long-term adherents, the carnivore diet was associated with:
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Improved triglycerides in those elevated at baseline
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Reduced CRP levels
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Stable or slightly reduced uric acid
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Reported improvements in chronic symptoms
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Reported improvements in energy and cognition
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Reported weight loss
Conclusion
This German exploratory study adds structured laboratory data to the growing discussion around the carnivore diet. Within this specific group of long-term participants, metabolic and inflammatory markers generally moved in favorable directions, and most individuals reported improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
While not conclusive, the findings warrant further investigation through more rigorous clinical trials.
References
Peer-reviewed and clinical research
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Lennerz, B. S., et al. (2021). Behavioral characteristics and self-reported health status among 2029 adults consuming a “carnivore diet”. Current Developments in Nutrition, 5(12).
(Large survey study reporting perceived metabolic and inflammatory improvements but also elevated LDL in many participants.) -
Norwitz, N. G., Feldman, D., et al. (2022–2024). Lean Mass Hyper-Responder cardiovascular plaque progression research.
(Early clinical imaging research investigating LDL elevation in ketogenic/carnivore-like diets; findings remain debated and preliminary.) -
Young, S. S., & Kindzierski, W. (2021). Evaluation of a meta-analysis of the association between red and processed meat and selected human health effects.
(Discusses methodological limitations in nutritional epidemiology related to meat consumption.)
Related metabolic-diet clinical evidence (low-carb / ketogenic)
While not carnivore-specific, these are often cited in carnivore-diet discussions:
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Virta Health Trial (Hallberg et al., 2018).
Long-term ketogenic intervention showing improved HbA1c, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers in type-2 diabetes patients. -
Hyde et al. (2019).
Low-carbohydrate diets associated with improved triglyceride-to-HDL ratio.
About the author: John O’Sullivan is CEO and co-founder (with Dr Tim Ball among 45 scientists) of Principia Scientific International (PSI). He is a seasoned science writer, retired teacher and legal analyst who assisted skeptic climatologist Dr Ball in defeating UN climate expert, Michael ‘hockey stick’ Mann in the multi-million-dollar ‘science trial of the century‘. From 2010 O’Sullivan led the original ‘Slayers’ group of scientists who compiled the book ‘Slaying the Sky Dragon: Death of the Greenhouse Gas Theory’ debunking alarmist lies about carbon dioxide plus their follow-up climate book. His most recent publication, ‘Slaying the Virus and Vaccine Dragon’ broadens PSI’s critiques of mainstream medical group think and junk science.