The Effects of Cholesterol‐Lowering Diets with Lean Beef on Blood Pressure and Vascular Health: Results from the BOLD (Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet) Study

Abstract

Observational and clinical studies show benefits of additional plant and dairy protein on systolic blood pressure (SBP). However, the effects of a moderate protein diet rich in animal protein on SBP has not been examined. We hypothesized that a moderate protein DASH‐like diet containing lean beef would significantly reduce SBP.Forty moderately hypercholesterolemic individuals (LDL‐C >110 mg/dL) were enrolled in a randomized crossover controlled feeding study. Participants were fed an Average American control diet (AAD; 33% total fat, 12% SFA, 49% carbohydrate (CHO), 19% protein (PRO), 0.7 oz beef/d], DASH (27% total fat, 6% SFA, 50% CHO, 19% PRO, 1.0 oz beef/d), BOLD (28% total fat, 6% SFA, 54% CHO, 19% PRO, 4.0 oz beef/d), and BOLD+ (28% total fat, 6% SFA, 46% CHO, 28% PRO, 5.4 oz beef/d) diets for 5 weeks with a 1 week washout period between diets. In addition to SBP, endothelial function and vascular elasticity via EndoPat were measured. SBP was significantly decreased on the BOLD+ diet (−4.24 mm Hg) compared to AAD. Augmentation Index (AI) was significantly reduced in participants on the BOLD diet (−4.1%) compared to AAD. There were no significant effects of the dietary treatments on reactive hyperemia index.In conclusion, a moderate protein diet including lean beef improves SBP. The inclusion of lean beef in a DASH‐like diet also improves vascular elasticity. Supported by: Beef Checkoff.