BACKGROUND: Animal-based, or so-called carnivore, diets largely exclude all plant-based foods and are gaining increasing popularity, mainly among individuals suffering from chronic diseases. This study aimed to explore subjective experiences and blood parameter changes of German followers of a carnivore diet. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a statistical survey using a self-designed questionnaire and requesting blood panels. Inclusion criteria were: (i) following a carnivore-type diet for at least one month
(ii) completing the self-designed study questionnaire
and (iii) providing two sets of metabolic blood parameters from the period before and after adopting the carnivore diet. The survey was complemented by qualitative interviews with four subjects on a carnivore diet. RESULTS: Twenty-four individuals participated in the survey. Fifteen participants (62.5%) were male, and the median age was 46 (range 26-62) years. The majority ( CONCLUSIONS: Individuals adopting a carnivore diet do this mainly for health-related reasons and commonly experience subjective health improvements. Most blood parameters on the carnivore diet were within the reference ranges, and initially high HbA1c and triglyceride levels were reduced. However, the significant elevation of total and LDL cholesterol concentration is striking and warrants further investigation into potential adverse effects.