In today’s world, plant-based diets are often promoted as the healthiest choice for everyone. But is that really true for every body? Science — and personal experience — suggests otherwise. Some people seem to thrive without animal products, while others feel drained, foggy, or even sick without meat in their diet.
Could genetics play a role? Absolutely. Let’s explore why some individuals may be biologically predisposed to need meat for optimal health.
1. Genetic Variants Affecting Nutrient Metabolism
Certain people have genetic variants (small mutations called SNPs) that impact how their bodies absorb, process, or utilize key nutrients.
- Difficulty absorbing vitamin B12, heme iron, and zinc — all found most abundantly and bioavailable in animal foods.
- Poor conversion of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) into the active forms, EPA and DHA, crucial for brain and heart health.
- Reduced ability to produce compounds like carnitine and creatine internally, both of which are abundant in red meat and vital for energy and muscle function.
If you carry these genetic quirks, you might find that a plant-based diet leaves you deficient — and that your body “asks” for meat to make up the difference.
2. Ancestral Dietary Patterns
Our ancestors’ diets shaped our genes over thousands of years. If your lineage traces back to regions like:
- Northern Europe
- Central Asia
- The Arctic
…where plant foods were scarce for much of the year, it’s likely your body evolved to rely more heavily on animal products for survival. This evolutionary blueprint could mean that today, your metabolism still “expects” a steady supply of animal-based nutrients.
3. Your Gut Microbiome Might Favor Animal Foods
Your gut microbiome — the trillions of bacteria living in your intestines — plays a major role in how you digest food. Some people’s microbiomes are better suited for:
- Breaking down animal fats and proteins efficiently
- Struggling with large amounts of fiber or plant antinutrients
If your gut bacteria thrive on animal products, you’re naturally going to feel more energized, clear-headed, and strong when you include meat in your diet.
4. Higher Personal Protein or Fat Requirements
Not everyone has the same macronutrient needs. Some people:
- Burn through protein faster
- Require more dietary fat for stable mood, hormone health, and energy
Meat is one of the most nutrient-dense sources of complete protein and healthy fats. If your body needs more of these building blocks, you’ll feel the difference when you don’t get enough — and meat offers an efficient way to meet that demand.
5. Health Conditions That Make Animal Nutrients Essential
Certain underlying conditions can increase your body’s need for the nutrients primarily found in meat, such as:
- Anemia (especially iron-deficiency)
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle wasting or weakness
- Depression and mood disorders linked to low B12, DHA, or carnitine levels
If you have any of these issues, you may naturally crave meat because your body recognizes it as the fastest way to restore balance.
6. Sensitivity to Plant Antinutrients
Plants aren’t just nutrient sources — they also contain compounds like:
- Oxalates (which can contribute to kidney stones)
- Lectins (which can irritate the gut lining)
- Phytates (which block mineral absorption)
If you’re sensitive to these antinutrients, a heavily plant-based diet might leave you malnourished or inflamed, making a meat-inclusive diet feel much better.
Final Thoughts
Not everyone thrives on the same diet — and that’s okay. For some people, meat isn’t just a preference; it’s a biological necessity rooted in genetics, gut health, metabolism, and ancestral history.
If you feel noticeably better when meat is part of your diet, you’re not broken — you’re listening to your body’s wisdom. Understanding and honoring your personal needs, rather than forcing yourself into one-size-fits-all advice, is key to true health.
Curious about whether you’re genetically inclined to need meat? Exploring your ancestry, tracking your symptoms, or even trying genetic testing (like 23andMe or DNAfit) could offer more personalized insights.
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