The Claim

Adults who follow a carnivore diet for durations ranging from 1 to 56 months experience statistically significant increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC), with mean LDL-C rising from 157 to 256 mg/dL (p = 0.00024) and TC increasing from 224 to 305 mg/dL (p < 0.0001), indicating a consistent pattern of adverse changes in lipid profile that may elevate cardiovascular risk.

Source: Carnivore Diet: A Scoping Review of the Current Evidence, Potential Benefits and Risks

What the research says

Roughly balanced

Support and challenge are close. The picture may shift as more studies come in.

Supports
1score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

People on a meat-only diet for up to a few years tend to see their 'bad' and total cholesterol go up a lot, which might raise their risk of heart problems.

See the scientific wording

Adults following a carnivore diet for 1–56 months experience significant increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC), with LDL-C rising from 157 to 256 mg/dL (p = 0.00024) and TC from 224 to 305 mg/dL (p < 0.0001), indicating a consistent pattern of adverse lipid profile changes that may elevate cardiovascular risk.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Carnivore Diet: A Scoping Review of the Current Evidence, Potential Benefits and Risks

    The study looks at the carnivore diet and finds that it can raise 'bad' cholesterol, which matches the claim. But it doesn’t confirm the exact numbers mentioned.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.