The rise of social media influencers promoting the carnivore diet with its emphasis on eating as much beef, butter and bacon as you want is a dangerous example of dietary misinformation, according to a medical doctor in Cork University Hospital. “This carnivore diet can dramatically increase LDL cholesterol to three to five times the normal range for a healthy adult. “Electrolyte drinks are marketed at people to stay hydrated and boost their cognition but they are only for certain groups such as endurance athletes or those working outdoors in hot countries.”Influencers pushing high-fat, meat-only diets and electrolyte drinks spreading nutritional misinformation, conference told. He said it’s very easy for the public to be misled by social media influencers on nutritional advice. This leads to unnecessary fear and confusion, unsafe food practices, viral food consumption challenges and the promotion of restrictive diets, he said.

Source: The Irish Times March 06, 2026 15:40 UTC