The Maasai Diet: A 30-Day Case Report

Background: A healthy 31-year-old male, with a history of veganism followed by a carnivorous diet, sought to adopt a Maasai-inspired diet consisting exclusively of cow’s blood and milk for 30 days. The subject, a physically active forest worker, aimed to address health issues experienced during his vegan period, which included depression, being underweight, tooth decay, and loss of libido. Methods: The subject collected (from the butcher) and prepared 2 liters of cow’s blood weekly, ensuring it remained non-coagulant through stirring, and refrigerated for up to 7 days. Forty liters of raw milk were procured, from which cream was separated and consumed to minimize casein intake. Biochemical parameters were monitored, including CRP levels, lipid profile, liver enzymes, renal function, electrolytes, and others. Results: Over the 30-day period, the subject’s blood and cream consumption varied, with an intake of cow’s blood on 21 days (30mL to 400mL) and cow’s cream on all days (200mL to 2100mL). Raw milk was introduced on Day 7 and consumed on 24 days (100mL to 1750mL). Notable biochemical changes included an increase in blood glucose (+5.4%), LDL/HDL ratio improvement (+9.6%), free testosterone (+24.9%), and a significant decrease in total bilirubin (-32.3%) and MDA-LDL (-67.9%). Other parameters showed mixed results, with decreases in various liver enzymes and cholesterol levels, and increases in creatinine clearance and certain minerals. Conclusion: The exclusive consumption of cow’s blood and milk resulted in numerous changes in biochemical markers, some of which may be beneficial, while others require cautious interpretation. The diet led to significant alterations in lipid metabolism, liver function, renal function, and mineral status, warranting further study on the long-term implications of such dietary practices.