Abstracts Category : Other

Let Them Eat Beef: Effects of Beef Consumption on Markers of Metabolic Syndrome

by Kristin L Olson

To determine the effects of a diet that provides 30% energy from protein with as lean, red meat on risk factors of metabolic syndrome in humans. This pilot study was a 3- month, randomized, control, intervention trial with 33 participants (Beef-Intervention n=18; DASH-Control n=15) who displayed markers of metabolic syndrome. Registered Dietitians Nutritionists recruited and educated participants on Beef-Intervention Lean Beef Pattern, (30% of energy from protein with as lean red meat, 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat) or DASH-Control dietary pattern, (15% of energy from protein, 55% carbohydrate and 30 % fat). Of the 33 participants who completed the study; 21 were female and 12 male. Bodyweight (BW), fasting serum lipoproteins [total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG)], hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), dietary satisfaction, and general health status were assessed at baseline and post intervention. A three-day diet journal was collected to assess for calorie and macronutrient intake at baseline and post intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine group differences from baseline to post-intervention. Variables were checked for normality and non-normal variables were transformed prior to analysis. Statistical significance was set at p 0.05. There were no significant changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C. There was a significant time x group effect for TG (baseline to post; Beef-Intervention 20788mg/dL to 14853; DASH-Control, 20088 to 19396.) Both groups had decreased BW and HbA1c from baseline to post. Both groups reported a higher level of current dietary satisfaction, a higher level of general health, increased walking minutes & total increases in physical activity minutes. Lipid parameters, BW, and HbA1C of participants with metabolic syndrome randomized to the Beef-Intervention promoting 30% energy from protein with as lean, red meat had outcomes that were similar or improved to those randomized to DASH-Control diet. The implication is, although larger studies in greater numbers still need to be done, that the inclusion of LRM in calorie-reduced diets may be used short term as an alternative to the DASH diet for those with MetS for weight and TG reduction. Advisors/Committee Members: Kendra K. Kattelmann.