Postprandial amino acids and health markers from organic grass-fed and conventional beef in healthy participants – a pilot randomized clinical trial

This study investigates the impact of organic grass-fed (GRA) versus conventional (CON) cattle-feeding systems on human postprandial metabolism. A randomized, double-blind crossover study was used to compare GRA and CON beef consumption in healthy participants (n = 10). Blood samples from participants were collected at fasting and postprandially after consuming a 6-ounce steak from each condition. Triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose (GLU), and insulin (INS), eight inflammation markers, and 16 amino acids were measured. Analysis utilized net area under the curve (AUC), linear models, and repeated measures ANOVA. Postprandial lipid and glucose responses did not differ. INS AUC was significantly greater in CON than GRA (p = .006). Inflammation response did not differ. Leucine AUC was greater in CON than GRA (p < .05). These results suggest that when consuming CON and GRA beef, lipid and inflammatory responses are similar, but amino acid differences may influence insulin response.