Lean red meat consumption and lipid profiles in adolescent girls

Fresh Beef and Lamb Consumption in Relation to Nutrient Intakes and Markers of Nutrition and Health Status among the Population Aged 5-90 Years in Ireland

The dietary role of meat is under scrutiny for health and environmental reasons, yet a growing body of evidence proposes that advice to limit red meat consumption is unnecessarily restrictive. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of 'fresh beef and lamb' in the diet of the population (5-90 years) in Ireland and its association with markers of nutrition and health status. Analyses are based on data from three nationally representative dietary surveys in the Republic of Ireland. Dietary intake data were estimated using food records, and nutrient intakes were estimated based on UK and Irish food composition tables. Biochemical samples were collected and analysed using standard procedures. 'Fresh beef and lamb' (defined as beef/lamb that had not undergone any preserving process other than chilling/freezing/quick-freezing) was consumed by 68-84% of the population and intakes ranged from 19 to 43 g/d across age groups. It made important contributions to intakes of protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamins D, B12, niacin, iron and zinc while also contributing relatively small proportions of total fat, saturated fat and salt. Higher consumption of 'fresh beef and lamb' was associated with higher intakes of protein, niacin, vitamins B6, B12, zinc and potassium (but also total fat) and lower intakes of carbohydrate and total sugars (but also dietary fibre). In adults, older adults and WCBA, higher consumption of 'fresh beef and lamb' was not associated with increased risk factors of cardio-metabolic diseases nor was it associated with better or poorer nutritional status for vitamins D, B12 or iron. This study adds to the evidence base on the contribution of 'fresh beef and lamb' in the diet and may be useful to policymakers updating guidance for healthy diets from sustainable food systems.

Long-term association of red meat consumption and lipid profile: A 13-year prospective population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The long-term associations between red meat consumption and lipid profile are not completely known. This longitudinal study assessed the association of red meat consumption with lipid profile in healthy Iranian adults using repeated measurements of red meat intake.

METHODS

The population-based longitudinal study was conducted within the framework of the Isfahan Cohort Study on a subsample of 1376 healthy adults, aged ≥35 y, for whom complete information was available in all three phases of the study. A simplified qualitative 48-item food frequency questionnaire, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and fasting serum lipids and blood sugar were evaluated in three phases. Mixed-effects linear regression was applied to examine the longitudinal associations between red meat consumption and lipid profile.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounders, each single-serving increase in red meat and organ meat consumption was significantly associated with an increment in triacylglycerol (β = 6.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.97-8.63), total cholesterol (β = 3.03; 95% CI, 2.02-4.04), low-density lipoprotein (β = 3.40; 95% CI, 2.64-4.17), high-density lipoprotein (β = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.28-0.93), ratio of low-density to high-density lipoprotein (β = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.05), and non-high-density lipoprotein (β = 2.42; 95% CI, 1.41-3.43). However, processed meat consumption had no significant association with lipid profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Total red meat intake had a significant, direct association with lipid profile after a 13-year follow-up period in a cohort of the healthy Iranian population.

Moderate Intake of Lean Red Meat was Associated with Lower Risk of Elevated Blood Pressure in Chinese Women: Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, 1991-2015

This study aimed to examine longitudinal associations between fatty and lean, fresh red meat intake and blood pressure (BP) in Chinese adults. The data were from nine waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1991–2015), a longitudinal, open cohort study. The surveys were conducted in 303 urban and rural communities of 15 provinces in China. Collected by consecutive three-day 24-h dietary recalls combined with household weighing for foods or only condiments, the diet exposure of interest was daily red meat intake and its subtypes (fatty versus lean) defined by 10-g fat content per 100 g. The main outcome was systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and risk of elevated BP defined as having a mean of SBP ≥ 135 mmHg, DBP ≥ 85 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication. Three-level mixed-effect regressions showed women had SBP increases of 2.19 mmHg (95% CI: 1.07, 4.46) from a higher intake of total fresh red meat, 2.42 mmHg (95% CI: 1.18, 4.94) from a higher intake of fatty, fresh red meat, as well as 0.48 mmHg (95% CI: 0.26, 0.88) from a higher intake of lean, fresh red meat in the top tertile versus bottom one when adjusted for potential confounders. After adjusting for survey years, women with the highest tertile of lean, fresh red meat intake had a 32% lower risk of elevated BP (OR 0.68, 95%CI:0.48, 0.96) as compared with those with the first tertile (non-consumer). Fatty and lean, fresh red meat intakes were differentially associated with BP among Chinese adults. Further research is required to elicit the potential mechanism on gender-specific differential association of fatty versus lean, fresh red meat with BP.

Unprocessed red meat intakes are associated with increased inflammation, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol in past smokers

AIM

To determine the associations of unprocessed red meat with serum C-reactive protein and traditional lipid biomarkers among adults with different smoking status.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, we analysed data collected from 5011 adults (men and women) who had provided information on dietary intakes and the proposed biomarkers for the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

RESULTS

We found positive associations between unprocessed red meat and serum C-reactive protein and triglycerides and an inverse association between unprocessed red meat and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in past smokers, but no associations in never smokers and current smokers. Among past smokers, the percent difference of biomarkers between participants with the highest and the lowest quintiles for the intakes of unprocessed red meat was 42% (P = 0.03) for CRP, 32% for triglycerides and -11% (P = 0.02) for HDL cholesterol. No association was found between unprocessed red meat and other lipid biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing individualised nutritional guidelines according to smoking status is important. Our study provided evidence for developing specific guidelines on red meat for past smokers.

Refining a Church-Based Lifestyle Intervention Targeting African-American Adults at Risk for Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Pilot Study

Objective

The pilot study was intended to test the feasibility of a multiple-component lifestyle intervention targeting African American adults in a weight control and cardiometabolic risk reduction program on diet, activity, and stress, using community-engagement principles.

Methods

Applying mixed qualitative and quantitative measures, the intervention had a two-part sequential study design consisting of 12 weekly small group sessions that provided individual and group counseling in nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, while incorporating focus group and interactive techniques to learn about barriers and acceptable practices for this population. The program was implemented at an African-American church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Results

Thirty-four participants (aged 56.1 ± 11 years, body mass index (BMI) 36.7 ± 6.6 kg/m²) completed the intervention. Lifestyle changes after the 12 weekly sessions showed some positive trends including reduced sodium intake (from 2725.3 ± 326.5 to 2132 ± 330, mg/day, P = 0.008), increased walking steps (from 4392.1 ± 497.2 to 4895.3 ± 497.9, steps/day, not significant), and slightly decreased Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores (from 13.7 ± 1.4 to 12.4 ± 1.5, not significant). Body fat % among male participants decreased significantly (from 33.8 ± 2.6 to 28 ± 2.6, %, P = 0.043). Among cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly (from 6.6 ± 0.2 to 6.1 ± 0.2, %, P < 0.001). The baseline PSS score was positively associated with baseline adiposity levels (e.g., weight, β = 2.4, P = 0.006). Twenty-one participants took part in focus groups during the program to identify barriers to healthy lifestyle changes. Primary barriers reported were price, time for preparing healthy meals, unfamiliarity with mindfulness activities, their health condition, and daily schedule available for physical activities.

Conclusions

This church-based pilot intervention was proven feasible by showing modest progress in reducing adiposity and decreasing HbA1c levels. The focus group and interactive methods facilitated program direction. Future full-scale studies are warranted to identify key strategies that provide more personalized approaches and supportive environments to sustain a healthy lifestyle among these at risk minorities with limited resources.

Impact of diet on cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents

The manifestation of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and particularly obesity begins in children and adolescents, with deleterious effects for cardiometabolic health at adulthood. Although the impact of diet on cardiovascular risk factors has been studied extensively in adults, showing that their cardiometabolic health is strongly lifestyle-dependent, less is known about this impact in children and adolescents. In particular, little is known about the relationship between their dietary patterns, especially when derived a posteriori, and cardiovascular risk. An adverse association of cardiovascular health and increased intake of sodium, saturated fat, meat, fast food and soft drinks has been reported in this population. In contrast, vitamin D, fiber, mono-and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, dairy, fruits and vegetables were positively linked to cardiovascular health.

The aim of this review was to summarize current epidemiological and experimental evidence on the impact of nutrients, foods, and dietary pattern on cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents. A comprehensive review of the literature available in English and related to diet and cardiometabolic health in this population was undertaken via the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Medline.