Skip to main content
NUTRITION 2024 Main banner
Icon Legend
This session is not in your schedule.
This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.
Back

Session: Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism (Poster Theater Flash Session 1)

(PTFS01-01-24) Acute Effects of a Plant-Based Meat Alternative Versus Beef Within a Realistic High-Fat Meal on Metabolic and Inflammatory Factors

Saturday, June 29, 2024
3:00 PM – 3:04 PM CT
Location:  W185A-C
Objectives: Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are increasingly popular as a substitute for animal protein sources. Despite several similarities, PBMAs have notably different fatty acid, carbohydrate, micronutrient, and phytochemical profiles relative to animal products such as beef. The purpose of this ongoing study is to determine whether there are differences in indicators of postprandial lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and endotoxin exposure when consuming two high-fat meals, differing only in primary protein source (i.e., PBMA or beef).

Methods: In a randomized crossover design, generally healthy participants consumed two high-fat, breakfast-style meals on separate occasions. Meals were matched for total energy, total fat, and saturated fat (980 kcal; 60g; 7g) and included 4 oz. of either a PBMA (Beyond Meat Cookout Classic; 18g protein) or comparable beef product (80% lean ground beef; 19g protein). At each session, an intravenous catheter was inserted in an antecubital vein and metabolic markers (i.e., glucose, triglycerides, HDL-C) were measured at baseline and 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hours after each meal (Piccolo Xpress; Abbott). Peak values, within and between group change scores, and incremental AUC (iAUC) for each metabolic marker were analyzed with paired t-tests. Interleukin (IL-6) and indicators of endotoxin exposure will be measured via ELISA at a later date.

Results: Preliminary analysis (n = 12/30 completed; 6M/6F; BMI 23.6 ± 3.0 kg/m2; aged 23 ± 7 years) revealed that, regardless of meal condition (i.e., inclusion of PBMA or beef), each high-fat meal increased triglycerides (mean difference [MD] = 77.1 – 87.7 mg/dL; p’s < 0.01) and decreased HDL-C (MD = -4.2 – -4.7 mg/dL; p’s < 0.01). No differences were observed between meal conditions for peak, baseline to peak change, or iAUC for glucose (p’s ≥ 0.19), triglycerides (p’s ≥ 0.26), or HDL-C (p’s ≥ 0.40).

Conclusions: At this point in the study, inclusion of either a PBMA or comparable beef product did not modify the postprandial metabolic response to a high-fat meal. When completed, this study will help determine whether there are measurable, acute health effects associated with replacing certain traditional meat products with PBMAs.

Funding Sources: Ball State University Bracken Environmental Research Fund