What am I likely not getting enough of on the Carnivore Dietary Plan?

 

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you might still be low in on a strict carnivore diet of beef liver, sardines, eggs, and chicken, even with an orthomolecular nutrition mindset:

✅ Nutrients You Likely Get Enough Of:

Nutrient Sources (on your plan) Notes

Vitamin A Liver, eggs High and highly bioavailable (retinol).

Vitamin D Sardines, liver, eggs Excellent if including sunlight too.

Vitamin E Sardines, eggs, liver Modest but sufficient levels if varied intake.

Vitamin C Liver (small), reduced need on carnivore Orthomolecular theory says demand is lower in ketosis.

B Vitamins Liver, eggs, sardines B12, B6, niacin, riboflavin = excellent coverage.

Iron Liver, sardines Heme iron is very bioavailable.

Zinc Beef liver, sardines Excellent bioavailability.

Selenium Eggs, sardines Good coverage.

Choline Eggs, liver Excellent levels.

⚠️ Nutrients You Might Still Be Low In (or Should Watch Closely):

Nutrient Why It Might Be Low Solutions/Considerations

Magnesium Meat has some, but not high enough consistently Consider magnesium-rich mineral water or low-carb sources like cacao (if tolerated), or supplement.

Potassium Lower in meat-based foods; vital for heart health Add potassium-rich meats like salmon, include bone broth, or lightly supplement (carnivore-friendly).

Calcium Low unless you eat bones or sardines with bones Eat canned sardines with bones or supplement with calcium citrate/hydroxyapatite.

Manganese Found mostly in plants Liver and shellfish contain small amounts. May need minimal supplementation.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Animal foods have some K2 (MK-4), but not much MK-7 Egg yolks and liver contain MK-4; MK-7 mainly in natto (plant). Optional supplement if needed.

⚠️ Optional Consideration:

Fiber: Not needed for everyone, but if bowel movements change drastically, bone broth gelatin or collagen may help.

Iodine: If not eating seafood frequently or salting food with iodized salt, you might become deficient.

🔬 Orthomolecular Note:

Orthomolecular nutrition emphasizes individual biochemical needs, so blood testing and subjective well-being are keys to dialing it in.

✅ Summary:

You're likely covering most nutrients well, especially fat-soluble vitamins and B vitamins.

However, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and manganese may need careful attention — but can be corrected with thoughtful additions (e.g., sardines with bones, mineral water, trace element supplements).