Animal board invited review: The contribution of red meat to adult nutrition and health beyond protein

Red meat has been a critical part of human diets for millennia, providing a source of high-quality protein, micronutrients and essential fatty acids. However, as societies evolved and industrialisation reshaped our food systems, there has been a noticeable shift in meat-eating trends driven by concerns about the environmental impact of meat production and its potential risk to health. Yet, despite falling out of favour with some dietary experts and influencers, meat has an important role in a healthy diet and most adults still consume it. This article explores the nutritional value of red meat, authorised nutrition and health claims, how red meat fits into diet, providing the example of the United Kingdom (UK), and the health benefits and risks associated with both eating and avoiding red meat. Benefits of red meat include nutrient density and bioavailability while risks include colorectal cancer at high intakes of processed meats, based on observational studies. Benefits of meat-free diets include a lower risk of chronic diseases, based on observational studies, while risks include nutrient inadequacy, higher bone fracture risk and low protein quality. Hence, a wholesale shift to plant-based diets may not benefit adults who are vulnerable to sub-optimal nutrient intakes, such as women of child-bearing age and the elderly. More evidence from randomised controlled trials is recommended to fully understand the benefits and risks of both meat-containing and meat-free diets.