Examine publishes rigorous, unbiased analysis of the latest and most important nutrition and supplementation studies each month, available to all Examine Members. Click here to learn more or log in.
Study under review: The impact of reduced red and processed meat consumption on cardiovascular risk factors: an intervention trial in healthy volunteers.
Introduction
Meat is a common source[1] of protein, fat, and micronutrients in many diets worldwide. However, according to the results from observational research[2], the consumption of red meat (e.g., beef, pork, veal, and lamb) and processed meat (i.e., meat that has been smoked, cured, salted, and/or had chemical preservatives added) has been associated with an increased risk of developing a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD).
While the results from most observational studies report a link between red and processed meat (RPM) and CVD risk, findings from randomized controlled trials have been less consistent, and the results from recent meta-analyses[3][4][5] of intervention studies have questioned the notion that red and processed meats contribute significantly to the development of CVD. Nevertheless, people are generally still encouraged[6] to limit red and processed meat intake.
There may be a number of reasons for the inconsistent results between studies. For example, in observational research, confounding variables, such as bodyweight, smoking, and physical activity, may explain the observed association between RPM and CVD risk. While it’s important to acknowledge that even when researchers attempt to control for these variables, it’s always possible that there is some residual confounding. In intervention trials, differences in study design, such as in the characteristics of the participants, the length of the intervention period, and the statistical methods, can affect the results. Furthermore, the inconsistencies regarding the effects of RPM on CVD risk factors may also be partly attributable to the composition of the comparison diets. Since adding or subtracting any food source from the diet is usually compensated by a similar caloric substitution (assuming bodyweight is maintained), differences between trials in the foods used to replace RPM can affect the outcomes.
With the above in mind, and considering that CVD still accounts for around one‐third[7] of all deaths in people older than 35, it’s obvious that there is a need for more interventional research on the links between RPM intake and CVD risk. The study under review aimed to add to the relevant body of literature by examining the effects of a 50% reduction in RPM in habitual RPM consumers through the consumption of reduced meat and meat-free meals on changes in the blood lipid profile and other CVD risk factors.
According to observational research, the consumption of red and processed meat is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the results from interventional studies have questioned this notion. The inconsistent results between studies may be attributable to a number of reasons, and highlight the need for more relevant interventional research. The study under review aimed to add to the body of literature by examining the effects of a 50% reduction in RPM through the consumption of reduced meat and meat-free meals on changes in classic CVD risk markers.
Who and what was studied?
What were the findings?
What does the study really tell us?
The big picture
Frequently asked questions
What should I know?
Other Articles in Issue #62 (December 2019)
-
Mini: The Arthritis Foundation’s recommendations concerning CBD for arthritis
We distill the main recommendations concerning CBD's use in arthritis from this patient advocacy group.
-
Mini: Higher vitamin E levels may increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks
Given oxidation's role in plaque development, antioxidants like vitamin E should be heart healthy in theory ... but theory doesn't always pan out.
-
Grazing is for cows, not for people with type 2 diabetes
Three meals a day, starting with a large breakfast, helps people with diabetes maintain better glycemic control compared to smaller meals throughout the day.
-
Beyond metformin: long-term lifestyle modifications seriously cut diabetes risk
Diet and exercise makes a major dent in the rate of type 2 diabetes development for people at risk.
-
Soy smart: Investigating cognitive benefits from isoflavones
Isoflavones could boost cognition in theory by both slowing diseases that impact cognition and by impacting certain areas of the brain rich in estrogen receptors. But how much of an impact do they actually make?
-
Getting salty over heat stress
How does salt intake impact the human body when exercising in a high heat, low humidity environment? This study explored the issue.
-
Spicing up depression: curcumin as an adjunct therapy
This meta-analysis found that curcumin has a huge impact when added to antidepressant therapy. There are a few reasons to interpret these results cautiously, though.