(P09-037-24) Human Metabolomic Responses to Conventional Versus Organic Grass-Fed Beef

Objectives: Nutritional differences between grass-fed and conventional beef have been reported in literature, but it is unclear how these differences impact human health and metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in postprandial metabolomic responses to conventional (CON) and organic grass-fed (GRA) beef.

Methods: Participants (n=10) with no preexisting metabolic conditions were recruited for this double-blind crossover study. On two occasions, separated by at least 7 days, participates were fed a 6 oz beef steak from each condition (CON and GRA). Fasting and postprandial (every 30 min for 4 hours) serum samples were analyzed for metabolite profiles using untargeted LC/MS. After filtering identified metabolites for presence in 80% of samples, VIP > 1.0 scores were used to determine differentiating metabolites within CON and GRA. Net area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to determine relative metabolite differences between conditions using ANOVA. Timepoint comparisons between conditions were done to determine metabolite changes over the time.

Results: Of the 17 metabolites with qualifying VIP scores, metabolite Bis(2-furanylmethyl) sulfide had a larger AUC in GRA (P = 0.047). Time course analysis showed two metabolites, Camelliol A and Squaraine, differentiated two or more timepoints (P < 0.05). Camelliol A, a member of the sesquiterpenoid class, was relatively greater at 0 and 30 min in CON. Squaraine was relatively greater in GRA at 30 min then become greater in CON at 150 and 180 min. Metabolite identifications are putative.

Conclusions: AUC and time course evaluation suggests that there is a difference in the abundance of specific metabolites seen in the human postprandial response to a steak from GRA and CON. Bis(2-furanylmethyl) sulfide is a potential biomarker of amino acid degradation. Camelliol A and squaraine also have metabolic importance in relation to lipid metabolism and trivalent ions sensors. This shows that cattle feeding style may have an impact on certain metabolic pathways. More research is needed to understand the relationship between cattle feeding style and human metabolic responses, as well as the role metabolites in human metabolism.

Funding Sources: Funding provided by the Organic Advisory and Education Committee (OAEC)