Three recent research studies published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal Nutrients add to a growing body of evidence reinforcing the important role beef plays in closing nutrient gaps for vulnerable populations such as adolescence, pregnancy and aging adults.
Each study analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large dataset gathered from a comprehensive, nationally representative survey of Americans, to assess beef intake and the contribution of nutrients from beef-containing diets.
“Our analysis shows that people at various life stages—adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and older adults—who eat about 2 ounces of beef a day, on average, consume more essential nutrients in their meals, helping them better achieve overall nutrient adequacy,” said Victor Fulgoni III, PhD, lead study author. “Meals with nutrient-dense beef may help improve health by delivering critical nutrients that support key life milestones.”
Adolescents
Adolescence is a critical life stage with increased nutrient needs for optimal growth and development. A combination of greater nutrient requirements and a decrease in diet quality in this life stage leads to nutrient gaps and deficiencies, creating a public health concern.
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans state the constellation of nutrients lacking in adolescents’ diets puts them at greater nutritional risk during rapid growth and development, the onset of puberty, menarche and hormonal changes. Adolescent females are at greater risk for nutrient inadequacy, such as iron deficiency which can lead to anemia.
Beef’s nutrients, such as protein, zinc, B vitamins and iron are essential nutrients needed for proper adolescent development. Based on this analysis, adolescents who regularly eat meals with beef are more likely to meet daily recommendations for essential nutrients and have a lower prevalence for nutrient inadequacies.
The researchers found that adolescent beef consumers with an average beef consumption of as little as 1.7 oz. per day had upwards of 15% more intake of calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, choline, vitamin B12 and zinc than adolescents who do not regularly consume beef.
Pregnant, lactating women
The importance of proper nutrition in supporting maternal and child health through pregnancy and lactation cannot be overstated. About 95% or more of pregnant and lactating women who eat beef have adequate intakes and meet nutrient recommendations of zinc, calcium, vitamin B12, protein, riboflavin, iron and niacin; yet many pregnant and lactating women who do not regularly eat beef are inadequate in these nutrients.
For example, based on this analysis, it is estimated that an additional 830,000 pregnant and lactating women would no longer have inadequate intakes for zinc if they incorporated as little as 1.74 oz. of beef into their daily diet.
Older adults
A significant proportion of older U.S. adults consume less than the recommended amounts of key nutrients each day, which can have health consequences. This study found older adults who consume beef have improved intake of 12 nutrients, including nutrients often lacking in this population, protein and vitamin B12.
The research indicates a higher proportion of this age group would meet nutrient recommendations for protein and vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients by eating about 2 oz. of beef per day in their diet.
Key nutrients
The research reflects that eating meals with beef improved intake of key nutrients in the diet within these vulnerable life stages and helped a greater percentage of the population meet nutrient adequacy for calcium, iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, protein and vitamin B12.
“Beef nourishes Americans’ health at every life stage, with its unique combination of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline, and B vitamins. Americans cite beef as one of their top protein choices, with 82% identifying beef as a great source of protein,” explained Dr. Shalene McNeill, executive director of nutrition science, health and wellness.
This research was funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. NCBA was not involved in the study design, data collection and analysis, or publication of the findings. — South Dakota Beef Industry Council
