Why Animal Foods Matter
Nutrients humans absorb, metabolize, and evolved with.
For much of human history, animal foods have played a central role in nourishing the human body. Beyond protein alone, animal foods provide a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, fats, and metabolic compounds in forms the body can readily absorb and use.
While plant foods can contribute beneficial compounds, fiber, and phytonutrients, there are key nutrients that are either absent, poorly absorbed, or require inefficient conversion when sourced primarily from plants. Understanding these differences helps explain why food quality and nutrient form matter, not just nutrient labels.
Essential Nutrients
Nutrients humans get most effectively from animal foods
Plants don't supply these nutrients in meaningful or biologically usable amounts.
Certain nutrients are either found exclusively in animal foods or are present in plants only as inactive or precursor forms.These nutrients support foundational processes like brain function, energy metabolism, and cardiovascular health.
Vitamin B12
Supports nerve function, red blood cell formation, and brain health
Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in methylation, neurological integrity, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can lead to anemia, nerve damage, and cognitive changes.
Naturally found only in animal foods
Plant foods may contain inactive B12 analogs that do not meet human needs
DHA (Omega-3 Fatty Acid)
Structural fat of the human brain
DHA is a primary building block of the brain and nervous system and is especially important during pregnancy, infancy, and throughout life.
Directly supplied by animal foods such as fish, eggs, and meat fats
Plant omega-3s must be converted to DHA, a process that is often inefficient
Creatine
Fuel for muscle and brain energy
Creatine supports cellular energy production, muscular performance, and cognitive function. It is one of the most researched compounds in human physiology.
Absent from plants
Naturally present in meat within a whole-food nutrient matrix
Taurine
Supports heart rhythm, mitochondrial function, and bile production
Taurine contributes to cardiovascular stability, antioxidant defense, and metabolic regulation.
Found only in animal foods
Human synthesis is limited and may not meet optimal needs
Carnitine
Enables fat metabolism inside cells
Carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are used for energy.
Meaningful dietary amounts come from meat
Plays a role in metabolic efficiency and endurance
Understanding Biology, Not Ideology
Animal foods provide nutrients in forms the human body recognizes and processes efficiently. This overview highlights key biological differences - explore the full blog for deeper context, examples, and supporting detail.
Read the Full BlogAdapted from The Carnivore Code by Paul Saladino, MD