(P13-028-25) Dose-Dependent Effects of Fresh Lean Pork Versus Beef and Chicken on Cardiometabolic Responses in Healthy Adults

Objectives: Although mounting evidence has implicated red meat consumption to adverse risk for cardiometabolic health, studies have linked consumption of fresh lean pork to either no change in indicators of health or positive effects. While red meat is often considered rich in saturated fatty acids, lean pork is relatively low in saturated fat and fits within a healthy food option, according to American Heart Association criteria. As a significant source of protein and numerous micronutrients, pork can contribute to an overall healthful diet. Our objective was to determine if pork consumption dose-dependently alters health outcomes as assessed by changes in body composition, blood pressure, and cardiometabolic biomarkers in comparison to chicken and beef.

Methods: A three-period, randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding study compared 3 diets containing 6 ounces of fresh lean meat. Diets varied only by meat provided with 0, 3 or 6 oz of pork and a blend of 6, 3 or 0 oz of a 50:50 mixture of chicken and beef. Twenty healthy men and women aged 18-65 years consumed each diet for 4 weeks with 4-week washout periods separating interventions. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and body composition were assessed and fasted blood samples were collected before and after each intervention for analysis of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results: Across all diets, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and HDL-cholesterol decreased (P < 0.05). Daily fresh lean pork consumption decreased (P < 0.05) body fat percentage at both doses and reduced (P < 0.05) TC, insulin, and SBP after consuming the higher dose only. Eating 6 oz of beef and chicken daily reduced (P < 0.05) DBP. No significant differences were observed for LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, HOMA-IR, or CRP among dietary interventions.

Conclusions: In conclusion, consuming up to 6 oz fresh lean meats did not produce negative effects on numerous markers of cardiometabolic health for the short-term in healthy adults who lost weight. Pork intake seemed to produce more cardiometabolic benefits than intake of a beef and chicken mixture.

Funding Sources: This study was fully funded by the National Pork Board.