(June 14, 2011) Calgary, AB -- A recent study found that with a single meal of four ounces of lean beef, which provides about one ounce of lean protein, there was a resulting 50 per cent increase in building lean muscle tissue in both older and younger adults.

This finding is particularly important for the aging population. The research of Dr. Douglas Paddon-Jones of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is showing that there is an increasing need for high quality protein as people age to prevent or minimize sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. Paddon-Jones used beef as the protein source to prove his hypothesis.

It has long been assumed that the ability to build lean muscle decreases with age, but in fact the human body is still quite capable of generating muscle well into the senior years, as long as the amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are available.

This is a great example of the impact of Beef Information Centre's (BIC) investment in human scientific nutrition research. Dr. Paddon-Jones' research focuses on mechanisms contributing to skeletal muscle protein and identification of ways to counteract muscle loss in healthy and clinical populations.

BIC invests in research on topics related to Canadian beef's role in nutrition and health. Nutrition research builds the foundation for evidence‐based positive messages and advances the industry's knowledge of the role and impact of beef in a healthy diet. "By being involved in this research, we have the opportunity to influence research areas and develop networks that can support BIC's policy goals," says Judy Nelson, BIC committee chair and cow-calf producer.

Other examples of beef-related research conducted by Dr. Paddon-Jones include a study of the way the body converts beef protein and one on the effect of beef on muscle development.

This research positions beef in a positive light, particularly for baby-boomers who tend to reduce their protein and beef intake -- the opposite of what they should be doing. The research study recently featured in the National Post, prominently highlighted beef and its positive impact on health.
Click here to read the full article: http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/Pass+spinach/4794409/story.html

BIC's efforts to maximize demand for Canadian beef and optimize the value of Canadian beef products is funded by cattle producers through the National Beef Check-Off, which in turn makes it possible to access beef industry market development funds provided by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

-30-

For more information contact:

Annemarie Pedersen
Stakeholder Communications Manager
Beef Information Centre
P: 403-275-5890 ext. 310
E: apedersen@beefinfo.org