Three recent research studies, add to a growing body of evidence reinforcing the important role beef plays in closing nutrient gaps for vulnerable populations. These include adolescence, pregnancy and aging adults. Each study analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), (a large dataset gathered from a comprehensive, nationally representative survey of Americans) to assess beef intake and the contribution of nutrients from beef-containing diets.
Adolescents (14-18 years old)
Adolescence is a critical life stage with increased nutrient needs for optimal growth and
development. A combination of greater nutrient requirements and a decrease in diet quality in
this life stage leads to nutrient gaps and deficiencies, creating a public health concern. The
2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans state the constellation of nutrients lacking in
adolescents’ diets puts them at greater nutritional risk during rapid growth and development, the
onset of puberty, menarche and hormonal changes. Adolescent females are at greater risk for
nutrient inadequacy, such as iron deficiency which can lead to anemia.
Beef’s nutrients, such as protein, zinc, B vitamins and iron are essential nutrients needed for
proper adolescent development. Based on this analysis, adolescents who regularly eat meals
with beef are more likely to meet daily recommendations for essential nutrients and have a
lower prevalence for nutrient inadequacies. The researchers found that adolescent beef
consumers with an average beef consumption of as little as 1.7 ounces per day had upwards of
15% more intake of calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, choline, vitamin B12 and zinc
than adolescents who do not regularly consume beef.
Pregnant and Lactating Women
The importance of proper nutrition in supporting maternal and child health through pregnancy
and lactation cannot be overstated. About 95% or more of pregnant and lactating women who
eat beef have adequate intakes and meet nutrient recommendations of zinc, calcium, vitamin
B12, protein, riboflavin, iron and niacin; yet many pregnant and lactating women who do not
regularly eat beef are inadequate in these nutrients. For example, based on this analysis, it means that an estimated additional 830,000 pregnant and lactating women would no longer have inadequate intakes for zinc if they incorporated as little as 1.74 ounces of beef into their daily diet.
Older Adults (60 years and older)
A significant proportion of older U.S. adults consume less than the recommended amounts of
key nutrients each day, which can have health consequences. This study found older adults
who consume beef have improved intake of 12 nutrients, including nutrients often lacking in this
population, protein and vitamin B12. The research indicates a higher proportion of this age
group would meet nutrient recommendations for protein and vitamin B12, and other essential
nutrients by eating about 2 ounces of beef per day in their diet.
Beef Contributes Key Nutrients Across Critical Life Stages
The research reflects that eating meals with beef improved intake of key nutrients in the diet
within these vulnerable life stages and helped a greater percentage of the population meet
nutrient adequacy for calcium, iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, protein and vitamin B12.
“Beef nourishes Americans’ health at every life stage, with its unique combination of high-quality
protein, iron, zinc, choline, and B vitamins. Americans cite beef as one of their top protein
choices, with 82% identifying beef as a great source of protein”, explained Dr. Shalene McNeill,
executive director of nutrition science, health and wellness.
