Contribution of beef to key nutrient intakes in American adults: an updated analysis with NHANES 2011-2018

Abstract

Beef represents an important source of high-quality dietary protein and several micronutrients including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Consumption of lean meat including lean beef is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 as part of overall healthy diet. Given beef intake has been declining, the objective of this study was to provide updated evaluation of the nutritional contribution of beef types. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data from adults age 19+ years (n = 19,766) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018 was used to assess intakes. On the day of recall, 49.3%, 40.2%, 26.3%, and 15.3% adults consumed total beef, lean fresh beef, ground beef, and processed beef, respectively, with mean intakes of 45.6, 36.6, 21.3, and 6.23 g/day, respectively. Intake of total beef contributed to daily intakes of energy (5.4%), protein (14%), vitamin B12 (20%), zinc (21%), choline (11%), niacin (9.4%), vitamin B6 (8.3%), iron (7.6%), phosphorus (6.8%), potassium (5.6%), and magnesium (3%). Lean fresh beef contributed most to the daily intakes of energy and nutrients followed by ground and processed beef. Beef intake also contributed to daily intakes of fat (8.7%), saturated fat (11%), and sodium (2.9%) and lean fresh beef contributed less intakes of fat and saturated fat than ground and processed beef. Beef and particularly lean fresh beef were efficient sources of nutrients and provided more nutrients per 100 kcal than the total diet. In conclusion, based on nutrient contribution, these findings provide evidence to support inclusion of beef (especially lean fresh beef) in dietary recommendations.