Effects of Beef Consumption on Skeletal Muscle Protein Homeostasis and Inflammatory Factors in Pre- and Postmenopausal Females

This will be a randomized study to determine if animal-based protein-rich food sources can stimulate greater muscle protein turnover and whole-body protein balance and reduce skeletal muscle inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women compared to vegetarian base protein-rich foods.

Inclusion Criteria:Postmenopausal women ages 50-65 (absence of menstruation for at least 12 months).Premenopausal women ages 35-45 (presence of normal monthly menstruation for the past 12 months).BMI of 20.0 - 34.9 kg/m2.COVID-19 negative and/or asymptomaticExclusion Criteria:Any substantial musculoskeletal injuries/diseases that have limited daily activities in the past month.Unable to stop the use of anti-inflammatory drugs for the week prior to and during study.Diagnosed metabolic or hormonal disease (i.e., renal, cardiovascular, thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome, or type I/II diabetes mellitus).Currently pregnant.Gave birth or was lactating within previous 12 months.Undergone gastric bypass/bariatric surgery.Clinically significant weight gain or loss (>5% change) in the last 12 months.Consuming metabolism-altering drugs or medications (i.e., corticosteroids, stimulants, insulin, thyroid medication).Unable or unwilling to suspend anti-clotting medications including aspirin use for 5 days prior to Visit 4.Participating in >200 minutes/week of vigorous exercise and/or >4 days/week of resistance training.Unwilling to fast overnight.Surgical menopause.Having undergone hormone replacement therapy in the last 12 months.