New Research Details How Beef Benefits Key Age Groups

Recent studies published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients reveal the significant role beef plays in closing nutrient gaps across various life stages.

The research highlights how consuming beef can address deficiencies during critical periods such as adolescence, pregnancy, and aging.

These studies utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a comprehensive survey of American dietary habits, to evaluate beef intake and its contribution to overall nutrition.

Adolescents: Meeting Nutritional Needs During Growth

Adolescence marks a period of rapid growth and increased nutrient demands. However, this stage often coincides with poor diet quality, leading to widespread nutrient deficiencies.

According to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this group faces higher risks of inadequacy, particularly in essential nutrients like iron, which can lead to anemia, especially among adolescent females.

Beef provides critical nutrients such as protein, zinc, B vitamins, and iron, essential for proper development during adolescence.

The studies show that adolescents consuming as little as 1.7 ounces of beef daily had significantly higher intakes of calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, choline, vitamin B12, and zinc compared to non-beef consumers.

This dietary pattern not only enhances nutrient adequacy but also reduces the prevalence of deficiencies.

Supporting Maternal and Child Health in Pregnancy

Proper nutrition is vital for pregnant and lactating women to support maternal and child health. The analysis reveals that over 95% of pregnant and lactating women who consume beef meet recommendations for nutrients like zinc, calcium, vitamin B12, protein, riboflavin, iron, and niacin.

Conversely, those who do not regularly eat beef often fall short of these essential nutrients.

For instance, the research estimates that incorporating just 1.74 ounces of beef daily into the diets of pregnant and lactating women could prevent zinc deficiencies in approximately 830,000 individuals.

These findings emphasize the importance of beef as a nutrient-dense option to improve health outcomes during this critical life stage.

Addressing Deficiencies in Older Adults

Older adults frequently face nutritional challenges, with many consuming inadequate amounts of key nutrients.

The research highlights that beef consumption improves the intake of 12 essential nutrients in this age group, including protein and vitamin B12, which are often lacking.

Eating about 2 ounces of beef daily could significantly enhance nutrient adequacy among older adults, supporting better overall health and reducing the risk of age-related deficiencies.

A Valuable Contribution Across Life Stages

Beef’s unique nutritional profile, including high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline, and B vitamins, makes it a vital component of a healthy diet across all life stages.

According to Dr. Shalene McNeill, executive director of nutrition science, health, and wellness, “Beef nourishes Americans’ health at every life stage, delivering critical nutrients that support growth, development, and overall well-being.”

These studies, funded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) through the Beef Checkoff program, offer compelling evidence for the role of beef in supporting health and nutrition.

For more details, the studies can be accessed through the following links:

• Beef Intake in Adolescents
• Beef’s Contribution During Pregnancy and Lactation 
• Beef Consumption in Older Adults 

These findings underscore the potential of incorporating beef into meals to address critical nutrient needs effectively, helping vulnerable populations achieve better health outcomes.

Explore how beef can help bridge nutrient gaps during key life stages. Visit our homepage for more insights into its health benefits.