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

Abstract

Statement of Objective: To determine the effects of a diet that provides 30% energy from protein with ½ as lean, red meat on risk factors of metabolic syndrome in humans.

Design, Setting, and Participants: A 3-month, randomized, control, intervention trial with 33 participants (Beef-Intervention n=18; DASH-Control n=15) with markers of metabolic syndrome. Registered Dietitians Nutritionists recruited and educated participants on Beef-Intervention Lean Beef Pattern, (30% of energy from protein with ½ 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.

Outcome Measures and Analysis: Bodyweight (BW), fasting serum lipoproteins [total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG)], hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C), 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.

Results: 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 207±87mg/dL to 148±53; DASH-Control, 200±88 to 193±96.) Both groups had decreased BW and HgA1c from baseline to post. Those assigned to Beef-Intervention demonstrated compliance with dietary instructions that included ½ of 30% total calories from protein as lean red meat (baseline to post-intervention; 34.8%±17.7% to 30%±26.8%). Both groups reported a higher level of current dietary satisfaction, a higher level of general health, and walking minute & total increases in physical activity.

Conclusion and Implications: Lipid parameters, BW, and HgA1C of participants with metabolic syndrome randomized to the Beef-Intervention promoting 30% energy from protein with ½ as lean, red meat had outcomes that were similar or improved to those randomized to DASH-Control diet.

Key Words: Metabolic Syndrome, Beef, Serum Lipid levels

Abstract
Statement of Objective: To determine the effects of a diet that provides 30% energy from protein with ½ as lean, red meat on risk factors of metabolic syndrome in humans.

Design, Setting, and Participants: A 3-month, randomized, control, intervention trial with 33 participants (Beef-Intervention n=18; DASH-Control n=15) with markers of metabolic syndrome. Registered Dietitians Nutritionists recruited and educated participants on Beef-Intervention Lean Beef Pattern, (30% of energy from protein with ½ 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.

Outcome Measures and Analysis: Bodyweight (BW), fasting serum lipoproteins [total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG)], hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C), 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.

Results: 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 207±87mg/dL to 148±53; DASH-Control, 200±88 to 193±96.) Both groups had decreased BW and HgA1c from baseline to post. Those assigned to Beef-Intervention demonstrated compliance with dietary instructions that included ½ of 30% total calories from protein as lean red meat (baseline to post-intervention; 34.8%±17.7% to 30%±26.8%). Both groups reported a higher level of current dietary satisfaction, a higher level of general health, and walking minute & total increases in physical activity.

Conclusion and Implications: Lipid parameters, BW, and HgA1C of participants with metabolic syndrome randomized to the Beef-Intervention promoting 30% energy from protein with ½ as lean, red meat had outcomes that were similar or improved to those randomized to DASH-Control diet.

Key Words: Metabolic Syndrome, Beef, Serum Lipid levels