Abstracts - Nutrition

Results from observational studies suggest associations of red meat intake with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) have not clearly demonstrated a link between red meat consumption and CVD risk factors. Further, the specific effects of beef, the most consumed red meat in the United States, have not been extensively investigated. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials data evaluating the effects of minimally or un- processed beef intake on CVD risk factors in adults. A search of the literature was conducted using PubMed and CENTRAL databases. Randomized Controlled Trials in adults that provided diets with fresh or minimally processed beef were included. Data were extracted, and pooled estimates from random-effects models were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) between the beef intervention and comparator intervention with less or no beef. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. Twenty relevant Randomized Controlled Trials that met the criteria were included. Beef intake did not impact blood pressure or most lipoprotein-related variables, including total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, non–HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A or B, and VLDL-cholesterol. Beef consumption had a small but significant effect on LDL-cholesterol, corresponding to ~2.7 mg/dL higher LDL-cholesterol in diets containing more beef than that in low-beef or -o beef comparator diets. Sensitivity analyses show this effect was lost when 1 influential study was removed. Daily unprocessed beef intake does not significantly affect most blood lipids, apolipoproteins, or blood pressures, except for a small increase in LDL-cholesterol compared with diets with less or no beef. Thus, there may be other factors influencing the association of red meat and beef on CVD risk that deserve further investigation.
This study was registered at INPLASY as 202420013.

In view of the health concerns associated with red meat consumption, notably the haem iron and lipoperoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids involved in the development of certain cancers, this article explores strategies for improving the nutritional quality of beef. Grass-fed farming, with its wealth of natural antioxidants (vitamins E, beta-carotenes, polyphenols), is proving to be an effective solution for enriching meat in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) while improving its stability and preservation. The article details the role of antioxidants in human health, in protecting muscle lipids and proteins, and in maintaining the visual appeal of meat. The importance of animal welfare in reducing oxidative stress is also discussed, along with other levers available in livestock farming, including diversified feed, nutritional supplements and rational grazing practices. These approaches all converge towards healthier, more sustainable meat production that meets society's expectations.

The prevalence rate of multiple chronic diseases among the elderly is relatively high, posing a risk to their health and also imposing a financial burden on them. Optimal dietary patterns have positive effects on multiple chronic diseases. This study aimed to identify dietary patterns associated with multiple chronic diseases in older adults. Dietary intake was assessed through two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. The presence of multiple chronic diseases was assessed based on the existence of dyslipidemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, sleep disorders, diabetes, moderate or severe depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment, with two or more of these conditions being considered. Three dietary patterns and three types of multiple chronic diseases were identified. Individuals following a diet rich in legumes, meat, vegetables and fruits (HLMVF dietary pattern) were 59% less likely to have the cardiometabolic cognitive impairment comorbidity (CCC) than those following a diet rich in milk and eggs but with low grain intake (HME-LG) and 66% less likely to have the especially sleep disorders comorbidity (ESC) than those following a diet rich in grains but lacking milk and eggs (HG-LME). The HLMVF dietary pattern may serve as a healthy dietary pattern to reduce the incidence of multiple chronic diseases and should be promoted among the older adult population.

This article is a synthesis of session 3 of the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation held in Rome in September 2023. The aim was to engage in a dialogue on innovations and pathways to efficiently produce more nutritious, safe and accessible animal-derived food with a reduced environmental footprint, and to foster dynamic and diversified local livestock systems more resilient to economic shocks and climate-related disruptions. This article is a translation of the conference session, which focused particularly on meat and the theme of “better nutrition”. Topics covered included: “Animal source food for human nutrition and health”; “World Health Organisation guidelines and consumption of animal source food”; “The drivers of supply and demand for terrestrial animal source foods”; “ensuring the safety of animal source foods”; and “cell-based food: promises and reality”.

Shifting towards a more plant-based diet, as promoted in Western countries, will reduce the animal protein contribution to total proteins. Such a reduction may not only impair protein adequacy, but also the adequacy in other nutrients. Using dietary data from a French, cross-sectional, representative survey, we determined for five French subpopulations (namely 1) women < 50 y; 2) women 50–64 y; 3) women ≥ 65 y; 4) men < 65 y; and 5) men ≥ 65 y), the minimum total protein level and the minimum animal protein contribution to total proteins that are compatible with the fulfilment of all nonprotein nutrient-based recommendations. For each subpopulation, linear programming optimization was used to assess the minimum protein level (model set #1) and the minimum animal protein contribution to total proteins (model set #2) compatible with the fulfilment of all nutrient-based recommendations (except proteins, for which levels were analysed as outputs). Total diet costs were not allowed to increase. Eating habits were considered in model set #2 only. The minimum amount of protein that was theoretically compatible with the fulfilment of nutrient-based recommendations (model set #1) was below the minimum recommended protein intake for all subpopulations except women < 50 y. In model set #2, for women and men ≥ 65 y, decreasing animal protein contributions to total proteins below 55% and 60%, respectively, led to protein levels below recommended levels. For the other subpopulations (women < 50 y, women 50–64 y, and men < 65 y), the lowest animal protein contributions to total proteins compatible with a nutritionally adequate diet (including protein adequacy) were 55%, 50%, and 45%, respectively.

Consumption of meat products has been declining for some years among children and adolescents, motivated by moral and environmental arguments. The supply of properly absorbable iron is the main nutritional benefit of meat. To cover their iron needs, the French Society of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents consume 2 meat products per day. The risks of iron deficiency with its haematological, immunological and neuro-psychic consequences are increased in those who do not respect this recommendation. There are no documented risks in pediatrics associated with consumption of meat products at such recommended amounts. There is an urgent need to reverse the trend among young people to reduce their meat consumption.