TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The carnivore diet, an extreme eating pattern that consists exclusively of animal-based foods and excludes all plant products, is unsafe and not recommended for the general public, according to a nutrition expert from Indonesia’s IPB University.
Professor Sri Anna Marliyati, a food science and nutrition specialist at the Department of Public Nutrition, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, warned that the diet contradicts basic nutritional principles and poses significant health risks, particularly when followed over the long term.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet allows only animal-derived foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and animal fats, while eliminating vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes entirely.
Proponents claim it promotes rapid weight loss and fat burning by inducing ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body uses fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.
However, Sri Anna said the approach is scientifically unbalanced and unsuitable for most people.
“The carnivore diet goes against the fundamental concept of a balanced diet and is not recommended for the general population,” she said in a written statement on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
“In very limited cases, it may be applied temporarily under strict medical supervision, but it is not safe as a general dietary practice.”
Short-Term Effects: Weight Loss With Side Effects
In the short term, individuals following the carnivore diet may experience rapid weight loss. According to Sri Anna, this is largely due to the depletion of glycogen stores and loss of body fluids rather than sustainable fat loss.
Early metabolic adaptation to the diet is also commonly accompanied by physical discomfort. “Fatigue, constipation, bad breath, and muscle cramps are frequently reported during the initial phase,” she said.
Long-Term Nutrient Deficiencies
The more serious concerns emerge over time. Sri Anna stressed that the carnivore diet is nutritionally incomplete and almost inevitably leads to deficiencies.
“Fiber, vitamin C, folate, and various phytochemicals are absent in this diet,” she said. “These nutrients play essential roles in digestion, immune function, and disease prevention.”
She added that no single food source contains all essential nutrients, which is why dietary diversity is a cornerstone of modern nutritional science.
Ketosis and Fat Burning: At What Cost?
Sri Anna acknowledged that the carnivore diet can induce ketosis due to the near-total absence of carbohydrates, forcing the body to rely on fat for energy. However, she cautioned that the metabolic benefits often cited by supporters must be weighed against serious health risks.
“The biggest concerns relate to cardiovascular, kidney, and digestive health,” she said.
Risks to the Heart and Kidneys
A diet consisting solely of animal products is typically high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This can raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, particularly in people with a history of lipid disorders. The absence of dietary fiber may further impair lipid metabolism.
Excessive protein intake also places added strain on the kidneys. Without sufficient hydration, the kidneys must work harder to filter nitrogen waste, increasing the risk of kidney damage or failure, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions.
Impact on Gut Health and Cancer Risk
The lack of fiber in the carnivore diet can disrupt digestion and alter the balance of gut microbiota, leading to chronic constipation. High fat intake also stimulates excessive bile acid production.
“In the long term, this can damage the intestinal lining, trigger chronic inflammation, and increase the risk of colorectal cancer,” Sri Anna said. She noted that secondary bile acids can act as carcinogens in intestinal cells.
The absence of plant fiber also eliminates the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which are crucial for gut health, immune regulation, and metabolic balance. “These risks often develop silently and accumulate over time,” she added.
Healthier and More Sustainable Alternatives
As safer alternatives, Sri Anna recommended balanced dietary patterns that are supported by scientific evidence. One example is the Mediterranean diet, which combines animal and plant proteins, emphasizes fiber-rich foods, and prioritizes unsaturated fats.
This diet has been widely shown to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.
Another option is a balanced high-protein diet, in which protein accounts for about 20 to 25 percent of total energy intake, while still including complex carbohydrates and fiber. According to Sri Anna, this approach is far more sustainable than extreme low-carbohydrate diets.
She also encouraged adopting balanced nutrition based on local foods and national dietary guidelines, such as the “My Plate” model.
“This pattern is practical, culturally appropriate, and safe for the general population,” she said.
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