Does a carnivore diet reduce CRP levels and lower inflammation?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far does not support the idea that a carnivore diet reduces CRP levels or lowers inflammation. Our analysis of the available evidence shows no studies indicating that this way of eating lowers inflammation based on CRP, a marker often measured in blood tests [1]. Instead, we’ve seen 27.0 assertions or studies pointing in the opposite direction — that eating only animal products may not reduce inflammation and could potentially increase it [1].
We looked at the claims around the carnivore diet and its effect on CRP, which stands for C-reactive protein — a marker the body produces when there’s inflammation. Lower levels are generally seen as a sign of reduced inflammation, though CRP alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Based on what we’ve reviewed so far, there is no evidence supporting the idea that removing all plant foods and eating only animal products leads to lower CRP. In fact, the bulk of the evidence we’ve analyzed leans against this claim .
We want to be clear: this doesn’t mean we’ve proven anything definitively. Our current analysis simply shows that, up to this point, the evidence does not back the idea that the carnivore diet reduces inflammation as measured by CRP. We’re not saying it doesn’t happen for some people — we’re saying the data we’ve reviewed so far doesn’t support it.
As always, we’re updating our analysis as new evidence comes in. Right now, the balance of what we’ve seen leans away from this benefit.
Practical takeaway: If you're considering a carnivore diet to lower inflammation, what we’ve found so far doesn’t give strong reason to expect it will help based on CRP levels.