- The Carnivore Diet relies on animal-based foods to induce ketosis, which means burning fat instead of carbohydrates for energy production.
- Some believe that eliminating plant-based foods results in nutrient deficiencies, but you can absorb all essential nutrients through animal-based foods or supplements.
- Certain groups, like pregnant women, older adults, and professional athletes, may need supplements during the Carnivore Diet.
- After consulting your healthcare professional, you can have omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, probiotics, and vitamin C, K2, and D3 supplements on the Carnivore Diet.
Why Are Supplements Important in The Carnivore Diet?
The Carnivore Diet centers around animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy to push the body into the ketosis state.
By eating animal-based foods and reducing carbohydrates, your body will burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, which helps weight loss and reduces inflammation [1].
However, since the Carnivore Diet eliminates plant-based foods, it’s sometimes criticized for lacking nutrients coming from plants, like vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, and folate.
However, most essential nutrients can be obtained from animal-based foods, such as beef, organ meats, and fatty fish.
Also, despite what many may think, most plant-based nutrients are unnecessary or can be obtained from supplements during this diet if you have a deficiency. Here are some of the positive effects of Carnivore Diet supplements:
- Supporting Gut Health
- Boosting Nutrient Absorption
- Supporting Overall Health
With the prescription of a healthcare professional, supplements will help you have a better experience during the Carnivore Diet with these benefits.
Supporting Gut Health
The Carnivore Diet is high in protein and fat and can benefit gut health. However, people with existing digestive issues may experience constipation or bloating by consuming only fat and protein from animal-based foods.
Supplements like probiotics can promote a healthy microbiome. Digestive enzymes can help break down proteins and fats and simplify the digestion process [2].
Learn More: Poop on the Carnivore Diet: All You Need to Know
Boosting Nutrient Absorption
Some nutrients, such as vitamin D, can help maintain bone health and support immune function, but since many of us work indoors during the day, we may not absorb enough vitamin D from the sun and face vitamin D deficiencies [3].
Vitamin D supplementation can help individuals with deficiencies supply enough of this vitamin. It’s also fat-soluble, meaning it needs fat to be absorbed by the body, so you have plenty in the Carnivore Diet.
Supporting Overall Health
Supplements can support overall health and well-being by providing minerals like magnesium and potassium.
Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, energy production, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Since magnesium supplements are mainly found in plant foods, they can help Carnivore dieters meet their needs [4].
Potassium is also vital for heart function and muscle contractions and is found in fruits and vegetables. Potassium supplements can help maintain electrolyte balance and prevent muscle cramps and irregular heartbeats [5].
However, it’s important to remember that our body can produce most essential minerals in plant-based foods. So, supplements are recommended only if your healthcare professional approves of a deficiency in the following nutrients.
Learn More: The Carnivore Diet: Is It Healthy? Benefits and Side Effects