Title:

Is Meat Intake Related to Blood Pressure in a Population of College Students?

Objective: With meat intakes increasing in the US, identifying potential health impacts of excessive meat intake is of interest. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between meat intake and blood pressure (BP) among college students. Methods: Data (n=7443) were obtained between 2006-2018 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS), an on-going, cross-sectional study held at a New England college. Dietary intake was measured through a 3-day food record and nutrient analysis software (Diet and Wellness+); participants’ mean±bean (MB) intake (oz/1000 kcal/day) were organized by quintile. BP was collected in duplicate via automated cuff. Group differences were examined via ANCOVA with covariates of gender, BMI, fiber, ethanol, total sugar, and sodium. Data are presented as means ± SD. Results: MB intake was 10.4±6.1 and 5.5±3.4 oz/1000 kcal/day for men and women, respectively. The average systolic BP was 128.3±12.6 and 113±10.5-mm Hg and average diastolic BP was 75.3±9.6 and 74.1±8.8 mm Hg, for men and women, respectively. An inverse linear relationship in both systolic and diastolic BP was observed by quintiles of MB (both p<0.01). Participants in the highest quintiles of MB had lower systolic and diastolic BP compared to those in this lowest quintile (76.0±.3 mm Hg vs. 72.7±.3 mm Hg and 118.8±.3 mm Hg vs. 117.5±.3 mm Hg, respectively both p<0.005). Conclusion: Findings suggest a small inverse association between meat intake and BP among college students. Further research is necessary to better understand these results and guide future dietary recommendations for young adults. Funding Source: New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738.

Name

Comment*

Comments are viewable only by submitter

Captcha*