Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) Effects on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk

BOLD (Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet) Effects on Established and Emerging Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Factors

The study is designed to assess the effects of a heart-healthy diet that includes lean beef as the primary source of high quality protein on risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. BMI > 20 and < 37
2. LDL-C level between the 50th and 90th percentile (±5% for assay variation) according to NHANES data for sex and age (ex. for men: 128-177 mg/dL and for women: 121-172 mg/dL)
3. TG level < 150 mg/dL

Exclusion criteria include:

1. self-reported history of myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disease (unless controlled on medication)
2. high alcohol consumption (≥ 14 drinks/week)
3. intake of putative cholesterol-lowering supplements (psyllium, fish oil capsules, soy lecithin, niacin, fiber, flax, and phytoestrogens, stanol/sterol supplemented foods)
4. treatment with lipid-lowering agents (statins and fibrates) or blood pressure control medications
5. vegetarian diet
6. weight loss or gain ≥ 10% body weight in the previous 6 months,
7. lactation, pregnancy, or desire to become pregnant during the study