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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

Low-protein, amino acid-supplemented ‘longevity diet’ linked to longer healthy lifespan, lower fat mass and frailty risk, and better metabolic health

A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 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

Non-hibernating pikas' protein restriction tweaks their gut microbiome to help them survive the winter, when winter-active herbivores often struggle to find dietary protein

Researchers discovered that non-hibernating pikas alter their gut microbiota to increase urea nitrogen salvaging, maintaining protein homeostasis during winter. This adaptation helps the animals cope with the scarcity of dietary protein during the cold season.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2025

Diet can directly influence brain aging

A new study found that participants following the green-Mediterranean diet showed decreased levels of Galectin-9 and Decorin, two proteins linked to accelerated brain aging. The study suggests a potential beneficial impact on biological processes related to brain aging through blood protein modulation.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 15, 2025

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

Omnivorous? Vegan? Makes no difference to muscle building after weight training, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that a balanced vegan diet has no effect on muscle protein synthesis or muscle gain compared to an omnivorous diet. Protein distribution throughout the day also made no difference in muscle building, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 21, 2025

Nearly 90% of US adults believe inaccurately that it’s important to eat animal products to get adequate protein

A new survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 US adults incorrectly assume they need to eat meat and dairy to get enough protein. Research supports the use of plant-based diets, with studies showing equal effectiveness in building muscle mass and containing fewer artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fat.

Missing protein keeps mice slim, even on a high-fat diet

Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

Lab-grown pork gets support from sorghum grain

Researchers have created a prototype cultured pork using kafirin proteins isolated from red sorghum grain, expanding the options for lab-grown meats. The resulting product contains more protein and saturated fat but fewer mono- and polyunsaturated fats compared to raw lean pork.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2024

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

Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

Researchers found that Brazilian vegans' diets consisted mainly of unprocessed foods, with a significant reliance on ultra-processed proteins like textured soy protein to meet their protein needs. The study's findings contradict the stigma surrounding veganism and its ability to provide adequate nutrition.

Proteins in meat, milk, and other foods suppress gut tumors

A new study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that certain food proteins like milk and meat can help keep gut tumors from growing by triggering the intestinal immune system. This discovery has potential clinical implications for patients with gastrointestinal conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 18, 2024