Red meat from grass-fed animals, compared with concentrate-fed animals, contains increased concentrations of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). However, the effects of red meat consumption from grass-fed animals on consumer blood concentrations of n-3 PUFA are unknown. This randomized, double-blind, dietary intervention study was carried out for four weeks on healthy subjects (n = 20) who replaced their habitual red meat intake with three portions per week of red meat (beef and lamb) from animals offered a finishing diet of either grass or concentrate. Plasma and platelet fatty acid composition, dietary intake, blood pressure, and serum lipids and lipoproteins were analyzed at baseline and post-intervention. Dietary intakes of total n-3 PUFA, as well as plasma and platelet concentrations of n-3 PUFA, were significantly higher in those subjects who consumed red meat from grass-fed animals compared with those who consumed red meat from concentrate-fed animals (P < 0.05). No significant differences in concentrations of serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, or blood pressure were observed between groups. Therefore, consuming red meat from grass-fed animals as part of the habitual diet can significantly increase consumer plasma and platelet n-3 PUFA status. Br J Nutr. 2011 Jan;105(1):80-9. PMID: 20807460
