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National Pork Board


Clinically meaningful weight loss and slightly higher diet quality among pork consumers through a 6-month weight-loss plan

Adults who continued to eat pork while participating in a 6-month digital weight management program lost a clinically significant 5.3% of starting body weight and improved their overall diet quality scores by 4.3 points. This study challenges the notion that pork is automatically off-limits within a healthier eating plan.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrition and Diabetes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2026

New peer-reviewed paper by more than 20 protein experts calls for rethinking dietary protein guidance beyond "eat more protein": National Pork Board reports

A new paper by over 20 protein experts examines widely held propositions about dietary protein, concluding that some science is insufficient or not robust enough to support certain claims. Key findings include the importance of protein quality, individual essential amino acids, and nuance in high-protein intake during weight loss.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2026

Healthy aging 2026: fresh pork in plant-forward diets supported strength and brain-health biomarkers in older adults

An 18-week study found that maintaining grip strength and chair-rise performance alongside weight loss was possible without a prescribed strength-training program, alongside improvements in biomarkers linked to metabolic and cognitive aging. A plant-forward diet featuring fresh lean pork supported healthy-aging markers in older adults.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 15, 2026

Including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, study finds

A new study suggests that including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, offering a higher protein quality score compared to plant-based proteins. The study found that meals with lean pork delivered significantly better results for satisfaction, satiety, and willingness to adopt post-trial.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2025

New study highlights role of lean red meat in gut and heart health as part of a balanced healthy diet

A recent study from Purdue University reveals that adopting a consistent dietary pattern featuring lean red meat can contribute to gut microbiota balance and support cardiovascular health. The study found that maintaining a balanced diet with lean red meat is more effective in sustaining long-term health benefits.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 23, 2025

First ever Hispanic thrifty food plan published

The new Hispanic Thrifty Food Plan (H-TFP) is a cost-neutral alternative to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, respecting traditional Hispanic eating patterns while adhering to established nutritional guidelines. The H-TFP aims to preserve cultural food preferences while promoting healthy eating at the same cost.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 21, 2024

Novel study shows greater metabolic response to animal versus plant proteins in young and older adults

A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2023