Impact of beef consumption on saturated fat intake in the United States adult population: Insights from modeling the influences of bovine genetics and nutrition

Abstract

We sought to determine the impact of breed and finishing ration that reduces the saturated fat (SFA) content of beef on SFA intake (%E) in adults. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2001–2016), we replaced the current fatty acid profile of beef with that from two breeds (Angus, Wagyu) and three finishing rations (pasture, 15% flaxseed supplementation, 35% wet distiller's grain (WDG) supplementation). Dietary replacement levels in the model were 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%. Overall, men consumed more beef fat than women (12.0 g (11.6–12.4 g, 95%CI) and 6.6 g (6.4–6.9 g, 95%CI), respectively). The contribution of beef fat to SFA intake was 2.1%E (2.1–2.2%E, 95%CI) in men and 1.6%E (1.6–1.7%E, 95%CI) in women. SFA intake decreased with each increased replacement level for all beef types. At 100% replacement, SFA intake decreased 0.5% (Angus), 2.8% (Wagyu), 1.9% (pasture), 4.1% (flaxseed), 2.6% (WDG). Our findings demonstrate that breed and finishing ration that reduces the SFA content of beef can decrease population-level SFA intake.