South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation: Groundbreaking randomized controlled trial now underway to understand how a healthy beef-centric diet supports health and well-being

First High-Quality Study to Explore A Carnivore-Style Diet in Managing Metabolic Health, Which
Affects Millions of Americans
Over one-third of U.S. adults – or 115.2 million Americans – are prediabetic, and metabolic syndrome affects 42% of U.S. adults. Lifestyle factors, particularly diet and physical activity, play a key role in preventing and managing pre-diabetes, improving metabolic health, and managing low-grade inflammation.
Long-standing evidence from high-quality clinical trials supports the inclusion of moderate beef servings in balanced diets for improving overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, there is growing public interest in consuming predominately animal-based food diets for potential improvements in key health markers such pre-diabetes, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. Variations of these “carnivore-style” diets have become increasingly popular as Americans aim to explore eating patterns that prioritize whole foods and nutrient-dense protein sources that
support overall metabolic health.8
To help advance scientific understanding on this important public health topic, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, along with co-funding partners including, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation, the Texas Beef Council, and the Nebraska Beef Council, have provided a research grant to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to provide the first high-quality evidence about the potential role of a beef-centric diet in health and well-being outcomes for adults with metabolic dysfunction. This research will be conducted by SGS Nutrasource, a globally recognized research institution based in Canada and the United States.
“Given the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and poor metabolic health globally, and the limitations of conventional nutrition advice, America’s beef farmers and ranchers are committed to investing in rigorous research that can inform evidence-based recommendations about beef intake levels that support better health and may offer the public with more dietary pattern options,” said Shalene McNeill, PhD, RD, Executive Director of Health and Wellness, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.
This study will investigate the impact of consuming a healthy beef-centric diet on:
● glycemic control, using continuous glucose monitoring;
● inflammation, measured using a composite of inflammatory biomarkers; and
● lipid-related risk factors, using an advanced lipid panel.
Importantly, the study will also address how a beef-centric diet affects quality of life (monitored via validated questionnaires), given the challenges with adhering to dietary patterns that support metabolic health. Participants will also receive a grocery allowance, weekly deliveries of U.S. beef, and in-depth diet instruction to support adherence.
“Nutrient-dense beef is foundational to most people’s lifestyles, so we’re excited to support research to better understand how a predominantly beef diet may help improve the health of millions of Americans,” stated Ryan Eichler, President, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Directors.
Subjects will consume 70% of their daily energy intake from beef, with remaining calories derived from other protein and fat sources (20%), and low-carbohydrate foods (10%), such as berries and vegetables, for five weeks. The study diet excludes all grain foods.
The study’s comparison diet is based on the Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Pattern (HUSS) as recommended in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Considered gold-standard dietary advice, the HUSS emphasizes consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods across all food groups, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein sources, and healthy oils, while limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
“Every aspect of this study has been carefully designed to prioritize participant experience and adherence, while also rigorously evaluating the role of a beef-centric diet for health and well-being,” said Stephanie-Anne Girard, PhD, Director of Scientific Affairs, SGS Nutrasource.

About the Beef Checkoff
The Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products.
States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval. To learn more the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, visit NCBA.org.
About the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation
Established in 2013 by South Dakota cattle producers and industry supporters, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation exists to foster generosity within the beef industry, provide educational opportunities, and strengthen consumer trust in modern agriculture. Their mission is to support programs that benefit communities, encourage youth involvement in agriculture, and help secure the future of cattle ranching.
Through fundraising and partnerships, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation supports food assistance programs, educational initiatives, and efforts that connect consumers with the beef industry. These programs help strengthen communities and promote a better understanding of responsible beef production and its role in supporting families across South Dakota. To learn more or get involved, visit SDCattlemensFoundation.com

–South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation