Sponsored By: The American Society for Nutrition and American Society of Animal Science

Funded By: The Beef Checkoff

This Sponsored Satellite Program was originally presented at NUTRITION 2023.

Foods are not simply a delivery vehicle for nutrients; they consist of a matrix of nutrients and non-nutrient compounds that induce physiologic effects different from isolated nutrients. Dietary guidance is often focused on individual nutrients, ignoring the totality of nutritional contributions foods can deliver. Emerging evidence has demonstrated how the consumption of whole food matrices has health effects distinct from that of isolated nutrients. 

Animal-source foods are nutrient-dense and rich sources of bioavailable minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids that support the growth and development of children and adolescents, promote muscle mass and function in middle age, and mitigate sarcopenia in aging adults.

This session explores evolving scientific evidence suggesting that the consumption of unique whole food matrices in beef, fish, and dairy foods delivers health effects distinct from that of isolated nutrients. Speakers will also address research needs to best support evidence-based, comprehensive public health guidance related to animal protein foods. 

Learning Objectives

• Describe the role of animal-sourced foods in supporting nutritional needs across the life course
• Distinguish the health effects of food matrices vs. individual nutrients in beef, fish, and dairy foods
• Explain how the food structure, combined with the chemical and physical interactions, of foods impact human health