Exiting the Cave: Exploring the Transition From Paleolithic to Omnivorous Dieting

Abstract

This is a follow-up of a recent case study of the Paleolithic diet that investigates dietary changes, including energy intake, food sources, and macronutrient and micronutrient distribution, associated with a transition from a Paleolithic diet toward a more omnivorous pattern. We observed a more than 40% increase in carbohydrate intake and a 10% decrease in fat intake, including 20% less energy from saturated fat, less intake of nearly all micronutrients, and a substantially greater energy contribution from nonpaleo sources, including ultraprocessed foods. This analysis of 2 full years of nutrition data provides a unique description of changing dietary patterns in a free-living individual.