Man on Carnivore Diet Has Cholesterol of 1,000

Warning Sign of High Cholesterol

A man who ate "very extreme amounts of fat and protein" as part of the carnivore diet suddenly developed yellow lumps on the palms of his hands — deposits of excess cholesterol under his skin, his doctor says.

The unnamed patient, who is in his 40s, was eating up to 6 to 9 pounds of cheese a day, plus sticks of butter and other fat that he would add to his daily hamburgers, says Dr. Kostas Marmagkiolis, an interventional cardiologist at Tampa General Hospital, USF Health and Tampa Heart in Florida, who treated him.

Tests found the man’s total blood cholesterol was more than 1,000, one of the highest results Marmagkiolis has ever seen. Healthy levels for adults are less than 200.

"This patient was not aware that his cholesterol was that high," Marmagkiolis tells TODAY.com, noting he had a normal cholesterol for many years.

"Abruptly within one year, his cholesterol dramatically increased, and at the same time, those lesions appeared. So we have to assume — based on the history of this patient — that those lesions were directly caused by the high cholesterol, which was directly caused by the type of diet that he was eating."

Carnivore Diet Warning

The yellow deposits under the skin are a red flag for cardiologists to check cholesterol levels, Marmagkiolis says.

"We believe that is a way of the body to eliminate the additional cholesterol from the bloodstream whenever it cannot process it," he notes.

When the bumps appear on eyelids, the most common location, they’re called xanthelasmas.

High Cholesterol Risks

High cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Doctors advised the patient to immediately switch to a more balanced diet and take medications to lower cholesterol.

Is a Carnivore Diet Healthy?

Many people are interested in the carnivore diet and other keto diets because they feel full while losing weight, Marmagkiolis says. The lack of carbohydrates forces the body to burn fat for energy rather than glucose.

Other benefits include eliminating sugar, refined grains, and ultraprocessed foods, which have been linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick warns.

The carnivore diet provides nutrients including riboflavin, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamin A; but it falls short on magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and fiber, studies have found.

People can experience nutrient deficiencies because they’re cutting out plant-based foods, which are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Kirkpatrick notes. Not eating enough vegetables can lead to poor gut health and constipation, she adds.

In general, patients who follow such extreme diets are at much higher risk of having abnormal cholesterol levels, Marmagkiolis says.

Dr. Jeremy London, a Georgia heart surgeon who was not involved in the case report, says the carnivore diet may work for some, but most people will be healthiest when eating a balance of nutrients.

"Our bodies are made to run on proteins, fats, and carbohydrates," London tells TODAY.com.

"Anything in the extreme is rarely going to be beneficial. … In general, if you are focusing on whole foods where you’re eating lean meats, leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits and fiber, you’re going to do fine."

The Mediterranean diet is the healthiest, both doctors say, pointing to studies that show benefits for the heart and beyond.

People who are still interested in following the carnivore diet should keep an eye on their cholesterol profile with blood work and consult with a dietitian or a physician who can monitor the effects of eating only animal products, Marmagkiolis says.

FAQs

• What is the carnivore diet?
  The carnivore diet is a high-protein, no-carb plan that focuses on eating only animal products, especially meat, eggs, and some dairy.
• What are the risks of the carnivore diet?
  The diet can lead to high cholesterol, plaque buildup in the arteries, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Is the Mediterranean diet a healthier alternative?
  Yes, the Mediterranean diet is considered the healthiest diet, with benefits for the heart and beyond.
• Can the carnivore diet be harmful?
  Yes, the diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, poor gut health, and constipation. It also increases the risk of abnormal cholesterol levels and heart disease.