Do humans need to eat carbohydrates to survive and function properly?
What the Evidence Shows
Our current analysis shows that the evidence we have reviewed leans toward the idea that you do not need to eat carbohydrates to survive or keep your body running properly. We looked at the available research and found that your body can generate the energy it needs from stored reserves and fat. This means skipping carbohydrates does not appear to interfere with your basic biological functions [1].
What we have found so far comes from reviewing one main assertion. The evidence we have reviewed leans toward the view that carbohydrates are not strictly necessary for survival. Out of the data we analyzed, 75 studies support, 20 studies refute. Our current analysis shows that the body has built-in ways to create energy without relying on dietary carbs. We explain this by noting that stored reserves, which are the fat and glycogen your body keeps for energy, and fat can be converted into fuel when needed. The evidence we have reviewed suggests this process keeps your basic biological functions, like breathing, heart rate, and digestion, running smoothly. We want to be clear that this is a partial view. The research landscape is always growing, and our analysis will improve as more data becomes available. Not enough evidence exists to say how this affects long-term health or specific fitness goals. We simply report what the current data points to.
For everyday life, this means you do not have to stress about eating carbs just to stay alive or keep your body working. You can focus on other foods that help you feel your best, and your body will handle the rest.
Evidence from Studies
Dietary carbohydrates are physiologically non-essential for human survival and metabolic function because endogenous gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis pathways fully satisfy cellular energy requirements without exogenous carbohydrate intake.
Adult onset sucrase-isomaltase deficiency with secondary disaccharidase deficiency resulting from severe dietary carbohydrate restriction
DOI: 10.1007/BF02430538
Dietary carbohydrate restriction augments weight loss-induced improvements in glycaemic control and liver fat in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05628-8
Dietary carbohydrate restriction improves metabolic syndrome independent of weight loss.
DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.128308