Top Supplements for the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet is a meat-centric eating plan that emphasizes animal-based foods while eliminating plant-based ingredients.1 Followers typically consume only meat, fish, eggs and animal-derived products like bone broth and some dairy. While this approach can simplify food choices and offer certain health benefits, it can also lead to gaps in essential nutrients typically found in fruits, vegetables and grains.
If you are concerned about carnivore diet deficiencies, you may be wondering: What supplements do I need to take on a carnivore diet? In this article, we’ll explore the most important supplements to consider when following a carnivore diet to help support your overall health and ensure nutritional balance.
Why are Supplements Important to the Carnivore Diet?
While the carnivore diet focuses on nutrient-dense animal foods, it can still fall short in certain vitamins, minerals and compounds typically found in plant-based foods.2 This is especially true for those who limit their intake to only muscle meats and exclude organ meats, seafood or dairy. Over time, this restrictive approach may lead to deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and fiber.
Supplementation becomes important to fill in these nutritional gaps and support overall well-being. By identifying and addressing these potential deficiencies through targeted supplements, you can maintain energy levels, avoid unpleasant symptoms like fatigue or muscle cramps and better support your long-term health on the carnivore diet.
Which Supplements are Important?
Strategic supplementation can play a key role in helping maintain optimal health and prevent deficiencies. Let’s have a look at some of the most important carnivore diet supplements to help you fill nutritional gaps.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports immune function, bone health and mood regulation. Fatty fish and egg yolks are good animal-based sources of vitamin D. However, people with limited sun exposure may struggle to meet their needs through their diet alone.
Suggested Product: Swanson Vitamins D3 and K2
Benefits: Carnivore diet followers may also find it challenging to meet their vitamin K requirements. This vitamin is essential for blood clotting and the movement of calcium from circulating blood to bone tissues. Swanson Vitamins D3 & K2 combines vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 to support bone and cardiovascular health.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for muscle function, nerve signaling, sleep quality and many biochemical reactions. Since animal foods are not a major source of magnesium, supplementation is often necessary.
Suggested Product: Swanson Albion Chelated Magnesium
Benefits: Chelation helps facilitate the absorption of minerals in the intestine. Swanson’s magnesium supplement is chelated with glycine for optimal absorption and support of muscle relaxation, stress relief and energy production.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s support brain and heart health, promote hormonal balance and have multiple immuno-protective actions. While grass-fed beef and certain fish contain some omega-3s, levels may not be sufficient without regular seafood intake.
Suggested Product: Swanson High-Concentration Omega-3
Benefits: High-quality, Alaskan pollock fish oil with a potent dose of EPA and DHA packaged in easy-to-swallow mini softgels.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium)
During the initial phase of the carnivore diet, the body sheds excess water and electrolytes. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness or muscle discomfort if not replenished.
Suggested Product: Swanson Simply Hydrate
Benefits: Potassium is critical for proper energy production and fluid balance in the body. Protect your heart and muscles with this electrolyte supplement designed for replenishing this essential mineral.
Vitamin C
Small amounts of vitamin C can be found in raw liver and other organ meats. However, carnivore dieters may fall short, especially if organ meats aren’t consumed. Vitamin C is essential for immune function, collagen production and antioxidant defense.
Suggested Product: Swanson Buffered C with Bioflavanoids
Benefits: Gentle on the stomach, this buffered vitamin C supplement supports immune health and tissue repair without acidity.
Do You Need Supplements on a Carnivore Diet?
While the carnivore diet can offer simplicity and potential health benefits, it may also leave gaps in your nutritional intake. Strategic supplementation can help you maintain energy, support immune function and prevent common deficiencies like low vitamin D, magnesium or electrolytes. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your long-term health on the carnivore diet, adding the right supplements can make a meaningful difference.
Ready to take control of your health? Explore trusted supplements like Swanson’s range of vitamins, minerals and omega-3s to support your carnivore lifestyle with confidence and balance.
You be well, now.
Swanson
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
- LeWine, HE. (2024) Harvard Health. Read source
- Goedeke, S, Murphy, T, et al. Nutrients. 2025, 17(1), 140; Read source
