The Sardine Experiment: Harvard and Oxford Doctor Consumes 1,000 Sardines in 30 Days

Sardines, often a divisive food, are nutritional powerhouses packed with protein, vitamins B12 and D, calcium, iron and crucially, Omega-3 fatty acids. When Nick Norwitz, a physician and researcher with degrees from Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford, wondered if a diet heavily focused on sardines could unlock physiological benefits – even mimicking those of dolphins – he embarked on a 30-day experiment consuming 1,000 sardines.

The Sardine Fast and Initial Findings

Norwitz, a metabolic researcher, undertook the “sardine fast” during the winter months. His initial and most notable discovery was a significant increase in cold tolerance. The high levels of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) from the sardines appeared to mimic the cold adaptation seen in dolphins inhabiting Fresh England coastal waters.

“For me this started off as a pure sardine fast. It meant eating about 100 grams of sardines per 50 pounds of body weight, and then supplementing with electrolytes as needed,” Norwitz explained in a YouTube recap of the experiment. He initially felt depleted, starting around days five and six, but addressed this by adding between a quarter-cup and a cup of extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil to his diet.

“I felt great. I felt light and energized. I lost six pounds in just the first week, and drifted down to about 7% body fat,” he reported.

Unexpected Compulsions and Physiological Changes

Beyond cold tolerance and fat loss, Norwitz experienced unusual impulses. He found himself wanting to stand on his head, a behavior observed in dolphins as they forage for crustaceans and fish. He also developed a compulsion to take the stairs in his 37-story apartment building.

The experiment dramatically increased his Omega-3 levels, reaching 16% – a level “closer to dolphin levels than human levels,” according to Norwitz.

The Downside: The Pungent Aroma

Despite the physiological benefits, the diet had a notable social drawback. Norwitz found that he developed a persistent sardine odor that no amount of deodorant could mask. “My girlfriend threatened that if I continued like this, I wouldn’t get much physical affection as the scent and taste were off-putting,” he recounted.

Experiment Goals and Future Research

Norwitz’s self-experiment aimed to explore the potential of this type of fasting for muscle preservation while reducing body fat. While he didn’t achieve the goal of testing his cold tolerance in a blizzardy ocean swell, the experiment yielded intriguing results.

Norwitz’s work highlights the potential for further research into the metabolic effects of high-Omega-3 diets.

About Nick Norwitz, MD, PhD

Nick Norwitz is a metabolic researcher and educator who graduated Valedictorian from Dartmouth College with a degree in Cell Biology and Biochemistry. He received his PhD in Metabolism from the University of Oxford and his MD from Harvard Medical School [Nick Norwitz Website]. He is currently a researcher at Harvard Medical School [LinkedIn Profile] and shares his insights on metabolic health through his YouTube channel.