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

NCT05236374 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 1806393
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Zinc Deficiency; Inflammation; Metabolic Diseases; Vascular Diseases

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• microvascular function

  microvascular function as measured by digital tonometry (EndoPAT2000)

  4 weeks

• intracellular zinc status

  intracellular zinc status determined by erythrocyte zinc tracer exchange

  4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• plasma lipids

  4 weeks

• plasma fatty acids

  4 weeks

• plasma oxylipins

  4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Beef Protein

EXPERIMENTAL

A beef stew, providing 8.8 mg zinc, 37.9 mg protein (approximately 500 kcal/d energy);

Other: Beef protein

Animal Protein

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

A control plant protein stew, providing 8.8 mg zinc, 37.9 mg protein (approximately 500 kcal/d energy);

Other: Beef protein

Interventions

Beef protein OTHER

Animal protein source

Animal Protein; Beef Protein

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of California, Davis: lead
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

University of California, Davis; Department of Nutrition

Davis, California, 95616, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Inflammation; Metabolic Diseases; Vascular Diseases

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Study Officials

• Carl L Keen, PhD

  Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Nutrition

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Roberta R Holt, PhD

CONTACT

15304005952; rrholt@ucdavis.edu

Andrew Hall, PhD

CONTACT

aghall@ucdavis.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Crossover comparison of a mixed diet including green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, and nuts; with beef versus non-meat sources of additional protein and zinc, over two 4-week metabolic study periods.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 2, 2022
• First Posted: February 11, 2022
• Study Start: October 1, 2022
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Last Updated: February 9, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)