Comparison of the Effects of Lean Red Meat vs Lean White Meat on Serum Lipid Levels Among Free-living Persons with Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Michael H Davidson, MD; Donald Hunninghake, MD; Kevin C Maki, PhD: Peter O Kwiterovich, Jr, MD; Stephanie Kafonek, MDJournal/publication: Archives of Internal Medicine 159: 1999
Background: Patients with hypercholesterolemia are often counselled to limit or eliminate intake of red meats, despite evidence the lean red meats (LRMs) are not hypercholesterolemic in comparison with lean white meats (LWMs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects on serum lipids of incorporating LRM (beef, veal and pork) vs LWM (poultry and fish) into a National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step I diet in free-living individuals with hypercholesterolemia.
Methods: Subjects included 191 men and women with a serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of 3.37 to 4.92 mmol/L (130-190 mg/dL) and triglyceride level less than 3.96 mmol/L (350 mg/dL). After a 4-week baseline phase, subjects were counselled to follow an NCEP Step I diet including 170 g (6 oz) of lean meat per day, 5 to 7 days per week. Based on random assignment, subjects were instructed to consume at least 80% of their meat in the form of LRM or LWM. Fasting serum lipid levels were assessed 4, 12, 20 and 36 weeks after randomization.
Results: After randomization, mean concentrations of total cholesterol (6.09 mmol/L [235.7 mg/dL] vs 6.08 mmol/L [235.2 mg/dL] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.99 mmol/L [154.1 mg/dL] vs 4.01 mmol/L [154.7 mg/dL] were nearly identical in the LRM and LWM groups (1%-3% below baseline) during treatment. Mean triglyceride levels remained similar to baseline values and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations increased by approximately 2% in both groups.
Conclusions: The NCEP Step I diets containing primarily LRM or LWM produced similar reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevations in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which were maintained throughout 36 weeks of treatment.
Interpretation/relevance to beef industry:
Comment from BIC registered dietitians -
- This research reinforces that lean beef can be part of a heart healthy diet
- Subjects with hypercholesterolemia who received pre-prepared meals (see previous research study above) or who made their own food selections were able to obtain similar reductions in serum cholesterol levels while including beef in their diet
For more information on heart healthy eating with beef see -
Heart Healthy Eating
Heart Healthy Eating Strategies