Vegan raw food diet influencer Zhanna Samsonova died at the age of 39, reportedly due to starvation.
The Russian national was living in Malaysia and died on July 21, according to reports.
Report: Vegan Raw Food Diet Influencer Zhanna Samsonova 'Dies from Starvation and Exhaustion' 💥 Proof that a balanced diet including non lab grown meat and proteins are important. https://t.co/AWsp7tmaLk
— Shannon 🇺🇸I stand with America (@thewriterme) August 1, 2023
“A few months ago, in Sri Lanka, she already looked exhausted, with swollen legs oozing lymph,” an unidentified friend reportedly said.
“They sent her home to seek treatment. However, she ran away again. When I saw her in Phuket, I was horrified.”
Vegan influencer Zhanna D’Art shared chilling message before suspected starvation death https://t.co/Q6yk6NENRX via @nypost
— PETER 🇺🇸 (@peterAmerica123) August 1, 2023
"Samsonova was pushed to seek medical treatment during a tour in Southeast Asia after friends and family grew concerned about her diet and 'melting' body," the New York Post reported.
"A proponent of uncooked herbivorous fare, the Kazan native claimed she ate a 'completely raw vegan diet' for the last four years, consuming just 'fruits, sunflower seed sprouts, fruit smoothies and juices,'" it added.
A raw food diet can have some health benefits but can include some deficiencies, including calcium and vitamin D.
The influencer's 10,000-plus followers on Instagram expressed concerns over her health before her loss and shared sadness over the news of her recent passing.
The controversial death highlights the potential concerns with some diet trends, especially those focused on completely vegan practices.
The loss of the influencer's life marks a shock for many of her followers and friends who looked to her diet as a positive activity that may have actually contributed to her lack of well-being and starvation leading to her early death in Malaysia.
