Effects of Daily Beef Intake, as a Component of a Heart-Healthy Diet on Cellular Zinc

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or postmenopausal female 55-70 years of age
* Women: lack of menses for at least two years.
* Subject is willing and able to comply with the study protocols.
* Subject is willing to participate in all study procedures
* Self-reported stable dose of prescribed medications for a minimum of 6 months
* BMI 18.5 - 29.9 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported use of daily anticoagulation agents including aspirin, NSAIDs
* Prescribed metaformin, statins or medications known to interfere with zinc, protein, or lipid metabolism
* Vegan, Vegetarians, food faddists or those consuming a non-traditional diet (e.g. Adkins, Keto, Paleo, etc.)
* Fruit consumption ≥ 3 cups/day
* Regular consumption of strawberries (2-3 servings/week)
* Vegetable consumption ≥ 4 cups/day
* Coffee/tea ≥ 3 cups/day
* Dark chocolate ≥ 3 oz/day
* Alcohol intake greater than 2 drinks in a day for men, or 1 drink in a day for women.
* Self-reported restriction of physical activity due to a chronic health condition
* Self-reported chronic/routine high intensity exercise
* Self-reported diabetes
* Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg
* Self-reported renal or liver disease
* Self-reported heart disease, which includes cardiovascular events and stroke
* Peripheral artery disease Raynaud's syndrome or disease
* Inability to properly place or wear the PAT probes or abnormal measurements on pre-screening PAT
* Self-reported cancer within past 5 years
* Self-reported malabsorption
* Unwillingness to stop any supplement use six weeks prior to study initiation, including multivitamin/mineral, powders, herbal, plant or botanical, pro- and prebiotics, and oil supplements.
* Smoking, vaping, cannabis use
* Current enrollee in a clinical research study.

Conditions5

Locations1 site

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