The Paleo diet is one of the most popular diet trends. Based on the eating habits of our distant ancestors (or at least what we assume were their eating habits), the so-called caveman diet typically emphasizes meat and gives the boot to grains, dairy and processed foods. Paleo promoters say this is a healthier way to live, since it delivers only the foods we evolved to eat over millions of years.
But here’s the thing: we aren’t fighting off dinosaurs anymore! Since we invented farming, we’ve evolved different needs from our caveman ancestors 1, meaning going Paleo may result in the loss of some nutrients you need to stay healthy. So before you trade rice bowls for a rib eye, make sure you have a way to fill these nutrient gaps:
Grains
Since our ancestors didn’t have the ability to prep overnight oats or raid the aisles of Trader Joe’s for cauliflower gnocchi, grains are restricted on the paleo diet. But grains are a source of carbohydrates—an essential component of your diet that fuels your brain. Sure, the Paleo diet still gives you carbs in the form of fruits and vegetables. But by excluding grains, you’ll miss out on some essential B Vitamins. Grains are naturally high in the B Vitamin Thiamin, which helps your body convert food to energy, and cereals are often fortified with the B Vitamin folate, essential for healthy growth and function. In this sense, going Paleo might actually take the wind out of your sails.
Dairy
Our ancestors weren’t out milking woolly mammoths, so a paleo diet also restricts dairy—an excellent source of calcium. Calcium, one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, is essential for strong bones, making up the bulk of their mass.
This lack of dairy will also make you miss out on the B Vitamin riboflavin, essential for red blood cell production—and your ability to breathe! In fact, the reason milk is packaged in an opaque container is that riboflavin is extremely sensitive to light. The opaque container helps to ensure the riboflavin doesn’t get destroyed, showing you just how important it is. Maybe the lack of dairy in their diet was the reason cavemen had such short life expectancies? 2
Legumes
Unfortunately for cavemen, they didn’t have the pleasure of opting for veggie burgers as their diet lacked legumes. Legumes, a type of vegetable that includes beans, peas, and lentils, are nutrient powerhouses, packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and—importantly—fiber. A single serving contains about 7 g of fiber, almost one-third of the recommended daily intake. This is an essential nutrient that expands in the stomach, helps keep you full longer and helps maintain regularity, preventing dreaded constipation. Cutting out legumes may deprive you of these gut-friendly benefits.
Oh, and be warned: Legumes are a big component of some of your favorite vegetarian treats, so if you love a good veggie burger or a chicken-less nugget, you may want to think twice before going Paleo.
Takeaway
The Paleo diet definitely has its pros and cons. If you decide to try it, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t missing out on key nutrients—and that may mean supplementation to fully support your health.
Persona has you covered with all the vitamins and minerals you need to help fill any nutritional gaps. You can the free online assessment to learn what supplements will best support you!
About Hayley
Hayley is a Licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Dietetics from the University of Rhode Island. Hayley is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their nutritional goals through evidence-based practices.
