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Background: Older adults are at risk of developing sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass during aging. This condition can increase disability and decrease function, strength, and quality of life. Additionally, older adults are at risk of nutritional deficiencies such as protein, vitamin B12, and zinc. Beef is a naturally nutrient-rich food that may help to prevent some of these health concerns.

Objective: To determine the relationship of beef intake to nutrition status, body composition, strength, and biochemical measures of vitamin and mineral status, inflammation and blood lipids in older adults in Ohio.

Design: 142 older adults completed a Diet History Questionnaire, and questionnaires related to nutrition status, activity, and mental status. Subjects also underwent measurements of body composition and strength, and a subset took part in a blood draw to determine biochemical measurements.

Results: Beef intake was positively correlated to muscle mass as measured by mid-arm muscle area (cm2) (R = 0.128, P = 0.030), and was not associated with overall nutrition status as measured by the Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA), or other measurements of body composition and strength. Beef consumption was not associated with biochemical measures of zinc, vitamin B12, or inflammation. Beef intake was negatively correlated to total (R = - 0.179, P = 0.035) and HDL (R = -0.247, P = 0.004) cholesterol but not LDL cholesterol or triglycerides.

Conclusions: Beef intake was positively associated with mid-arm muscle area, a predictor of muscle mass, in older Ohioans. Consuming beef in moderation may be a healthy way in which older adults can preserve muscle mass and decrease the risk of sarcopenia.