Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
Comparing postprandial inflammatory responses to a plant-based meat alternative, grass-finished beef, and
Jennifer Cloward1, Olivia Mason1, Isabella DeJesus1
1Center for Human Nutrition Studies, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States.
Background:
Consumer interest in grass-finished meat and plant-based meat alternatives is growing because of concerns about health and environmental sustainability. Although these options differ in nutrient composition, their acute effects on postprandial inflammation remain unclear.
Objectives:
This study aimed to compare acute postprandial inflammatory responses after the consumption of grass-finished beef, a plant-based meat alternative, and grain-finished beef. Secondary outcomes included subjective measures of hunger, fullness, and thirst.
Methods:
In a randomized crossover trial, 36 middle-aged adults [mean ± standard deviation (SD): 46.5 ± 8 y; 47% male, 53% female] with a body mass index (BMI) 25-35 kg/m2 (mean ± SD: 29.6 ± 3) consumed 3 dietary interventions: ground grass-finished beef, plant-based meat alternative, and ground grain-finished beef. Blood was collected at baseline and multiple time points over 5 h after eating to measure C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Hunger, fullness, and thirst were assessed using visual analog scales. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline inflammation.
Results:
No significant differences in postprandial inflammatory markers were observed across interventions (P = 0.64). CRP increased slightly (+0.05 to +0.38 mg/L), TNF-α decreased moderately (-0.75 to -1.08 pg/mL), and IL-6 increased slightly (+1.29 to +1.92 pg/mL) across interventions (all P > 0.05). Exploratory analyses indicated a marginal association between age and inflammatory responses (P = 0.12), with no effects of BMI or sex (P = 0.60 and 0.56). Subjective ratings of hunger, fullness, and thirst did not differ between interventions.
Conclusions:
Despite differences in nutrient composition, acute consumption of grass-finished beef, a plant-based meat alternative, and grain-finished beef did not elicit significantly different postprandial inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that, in the short term, the choice between these protein sources may not meaningfully impact inflammation. Further research is needed to explore potential long-term health implications.
Clinical Trial Registry:
This was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05690061.
More Related Videos
09:30Introducing an Angle Adjustable Cutting Box for Analyzing Slice Shear Force in Meat
Published on: April 26, 2013
07:46Author Spotlight: Improving Beef Cattle Nutrition and Production with a Focus on Feed Efficiency and Meat Quality Traits Through Advanced Biochemical and Molecular Assays
Published on: July 12, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:15Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...