What is the viral TikTok ‘carnivore diet’ and is it safe?

If you’ve been on TikTok recently you may have come across a new viral trend of creators only eating meat-based meals.

The ‘carnivore diet’ trend has reached over a billion views on the video platform with some dedicating and specialising in the special diet.

Although, like many diets, some are questioning how safe the TikTok diet is and if there are any benefits or cons, they should know about.

Whether you know about the carnivore diet and want to try it out for yourself, or you’ve never heard of the TikTok trend and are curious, here is everything you need to know.

What is the TikTok carnivore diet?

The carnivore diet sees people focus on eating meals that consist of a lot of meat, including beef, chicken and pork both cooked and raw having eggs and lumps of butter.

The diet has been said to help immense fat loss and improved general well-being, according to TikTok content creators.

The TikTok trend is also known by some as the all-meat diet or zero-carb diet and excludes all plant-based foods.

The TikTok trend has gone viral. (Image: Getty Images)

What are the benefits of the TikTok carnivore diet?

Like all diets, the carnivore diet has mixed reactions and has both pros and cons, discussing the benefits with PA News Agencies, Pall Mall Medical Dr Simon Theobalds shared that it can potentially help boost some much-needed macronutrients, vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Adding: “Red meat is a rich source of complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids the body needs for various functions, including building and repairing tissues.”

The TikTok diet can also help improve iron levels as Dr Theobald shares: “Red meat is one of the best dietary sources of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods,” he says.

“Iron is essential for transporting oxygen in the blood and supporting energy metabolism.

“Red meat is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, a nutrient mainly found in animal products. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells.”

@coachcarnivorecam Here’s what I typically eat in a day on a carnivore diet! #carnivore #carnivorediet #carnivorelife #carnivorelifestyle #meat #health ♬ Afrobeat – FASSounds

What are the cons of the TikTok carnivore diet?

On to the cons or the damaging side of the carnivore diet, as it’s mostly red meat with fatty cuts, it can have high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.

High levels of these factors have been linked with an “increased risk of heart disease and stroke” shares Dr Theobald.

Similarly, processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats, have been classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). “This means there is strong evidence linking processed meat consumption to an increased risk of cancer,” he adds.

This can also mean that when you get sick, it makes it harder to get well again as it can encourage antibiotic resistance.

Would you try the diet? (Image: Getty Images)

“In many countries, livestock may be treated with antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease,” Theobalds notes. “The overuse of antibiotics in meat production can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections in humans.”

Despite the nutrients you can get from animal products, this diet could still lead to certain deficiencies.

“Meat lacks essential nutrients found in plant-based foods, such as dietary fibre, certain vitamins like vitamin C, and minerals such as potassium. Long-term consumption of only meat can lead to nutrient deficiencies and related health problems,” he adds.

A varied diet will also promote a healthier gut.