GrassFedBeefHealthBenefits-CSU,Chico.docVIP

A Literature Review of the Value-Added Nutrients found in Grass-fed Beef Products June 2005 Draft Manuscript C.A. Daley1, A.Abbott1, P. Doyle1, G. Nader2, and S. Larson2 College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico1 University of California Cooperative Extension Service2 Grass-fed beef, or beef produced from cattle finished on forage only diets, has been touted as a more nutritious beef product. There are a number of reports that show grass-fed beef products contain elevated concentrations of (-carotene and α-tocopherol, increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids, a more desirable omega-3:omega-6 ratio, and increased levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), all substances reported to have favorable biological effects on human health. The purpose of this article is to summarize information currently available to support the enhanced nutrient claim for grass-fed products as well as review the effects these specific nutrients have on human health. Nutrients of interest for Grass-fed Beef ProVitamin A: β-Carotene: Β-carotene, a fat-soluble antioxidant, is derived from the Latin name for carrot, which belongs to a family of natural chemicals known as carotenes or carotenoids. Carotenes produce the yellow and orange color found in fruits and vegetables and is converted to vitamin A (retinol) by the body. While excessive amounts of vitamin A in supplement form can be toxic, the body will only convert as much vitamin A from beta-carotene as it needs, thus beta-carotene is a safe dietary source for vitamin A supplementation. (University of Maryland Medicine, 2002) Vitamin A is a critical fat-soluble vitamin that is important for normal vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division, and cell differentiation (Stephens et al., 1996). Specifically, it is responsible for maintaining the surface lining of the eyes and also the lining of the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. The overall integrity of skin and mucous membranes is mainta