20 Participants Needed

Beef Protein for Vascular Disease

RR
AH
Overseen ByAndrew Hall, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of California, Davis
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you have been on a stable dose of your prescribed medications for at least 6 months. However, if you are taking anticoagulants, metformin, statins, or medications that interfere with zinc, protein, or lipid metabolism, you would not be eligible to participate.

What data supports the effectiveness of beef protein as a treatment for vascular disease?

Research shows that consuming high-fat ground beef improved blood vessel function and lowered blood pressure in men, which suggests potential benefits for vascular health.12345

Is beef protein safe for human consumption?

Research shows that consuming both low-fat and high-fat ground beef does not negatively affect vascular function in men. In fact, high-fat ground beef improved some measures of blood vessel health and blood pressure.56789

How does beef protein treatment differ from other treatments for vascular disease?

Beef protein treatment for vascular disease is unique because it involves dietary intervention with beef, which has been shown to improve vascular function and lower blood pressure in some studies. Unlike traditional medications, this approach focuses on the nutritional content and specific fatty acid profiles of beef, which may positively impact cardiovascular health.58101112

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of the current study is to test the overarching hypothesis that the beef nutritive matrix is uniquely suited to direct dietary zinc to cellular compartments for improved metabolic function, leading to a greater effect on health outcomes. Specifically, whether beef, as a component of a healthy meal, will promote the absorption of zinc into cells, where the zinc will have greater effects on zinc-dependent metabolic processes supporting cardiovascular health. To maximize the observability of these beef-related effects, individuals who are 55- to 70-year-old who generally have a higher risk of zinc deficiency and cardiovascular disease will be enrolled.

Research Team

CL

Carl L Keen, PhD

Principal Investigator

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Nutrition

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for men and postmenopausal women aged 55-70 with a BMI of 18.5-29.9, not on daily anticoagulants or intense exercise routines, without heart disease, diabetes, cancer in the past 5 years, or malabsorption issues. Participants should be non-smokers and not on diets like Keto or Paleo.

Inclusion Criteria

Subject is willing and able to comply with the study protocols
Subject is willing to participate in all study procedures
Men or women who have gone through menopause and are between 55 and 70 years old.
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

You take daily blood thinners like aspirin or NSAIDs.
You regularly do intense exercise.
You have kidney or liver disease that you have reported yourself.
See 19 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment Period 1

Participants consume a mixed diet including beef for 4 weeks to assess zinc absorption and vascular function

4 weeks
1 visit (in-person) at the start and end of the period

Washout

Participants undergo a washout period between treatment phases

2-4 weeks

Treatment Period 2

Participants consume a mixed diet including non-meat protein sources for 4 weeks to assess zinc absorption and vascular function

4 weeks
1 visit (in-person) at the start and end of the period

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Beef protein
Trial Overview The study tests if beef as part of a healthy diet can improve zinc absorption into cells to support cardiovascular health in older adults at risk of zinc deficiency and vascular diseases.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Beef ProteinExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
A beef stew, providing 8.8 mg zinc, 37.9 mg protein (approximately 500 kcal/d energy);
Group II: Animal ProteinActive Control1 Intervention
A control plant protein stew, providing 8.8 mg zinc, 37.9 mg protein (approximately 500 kcal/d energy);

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials
958
Recruited
4,816,000+

National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Collaborator

Trials
26
Recruited
1,300+

Findings from Research

In a 16-week study involving 36 overweight or obese women, moderate weight loss (9% of body weight) significantly improved cardiovascular risk factors, including a 28% increase in systemic arterial compliance (SAC) and reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and leptin levels.
Both a diet emphasizing red meat and one focusing on plant protein (soybeans) led to similar metabolic benefits, indicating that weight loss and its cardiovascular improvements can be achieved with either dietary approach.
Arterial compliance, blood pressure, plasma leptin, and plasma lipids in women are improved with weight reduction equally with a meat-based diet and a plant-based diet.Yamashita, T., Sasahara, T., Pomeroy, SE., et al.[2019]
Replacing dietary carbohydrates with beef protein can lead to significant reductions in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol levels, independent of the saturated fat content in the diet, based on a study involving 40 healthy men over a 3-week baseline and subsequent 3-week dietary interventions.
The study suggests that the source of dietary protein, such as beef, may influence how saturated fat affects atherogenic lipoproteins, indicating that dietary choices can play a crucial role in cardiovascular health.
Changes in atherogenic dyslipidemia induced by carbohydrate restriction in men are dependent on dietary protein source.Mangravite, LM., Chiu, S., Wojnoonski, K., et al.[2023]
In a study of 142 older adults, increased beef intake was linked to greater muscle mass, with a 1 oz/day increase predicting a 2.3 cm² rise in mid-arm muscle area, suggesting that beef can help preserve muscle in aging individuals.
Higher overall protein intake was associated with better nutrition status and body measurements, indicating that consuming lean beef in moderation can be a beneficial way for older adults to enhance their protein intake and overall health.
Dietary protein and beef consumption predict for markers of muscle mass and nutrition status in older adults.Asp, ML., Richardson, JR., Collene, AL., et al.[2021]

References

Arterial compliance, blood pressure, plasma leptin, and plasma lipids in women are improved with weight reduction equally with a meat-based diet and a plant-based diet. [2019]
Changes in atherogenic dyslipidemia induced by carbohydrate restriction in men are dependent on dietary protein source. [2023]
Dietary protein and beef consumption predict for markers of muscle mass and nutrition status in older adults. [2021]
Effects of Beef Protein Supplementation in Male Elite Triathletes: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study. [2023]
Assessment of Vascular Function in Response to High-Fat and Low-Fat Ground Beef Consumption in Men. [2023]
Effects of soy isoflavones and phytate on homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and iron status in postmenopausal women. [2023]
Coagulation, Thrombogenesis, and Insulin Resistance Markers in Increased-Cardiovascular-Risk Subjects Consuming Improved-Fat Meat Products. [2020]
Effects of improved fat meat products consumption on emergent cardiovascular disease markers of male volunteers at cardiovascular risk. [2018]
Effect of soybean protein on novel cardiovascular disease risk factors: a randomized controlled trial. [2021]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Effects of feeding cooked ground beef on plasma lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations in male turkeys. [2018]
11.Russia (Federation)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[Study of biological value of beef produced by interspecies hybrids of domestic cattle and wild yaks]. [2015]
Dietary PUFA Intervention Affects Fatty Acid- and Micronutrient Profiles of Beef and Related Beef Products. [2020]
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