Dr. Sarah LoBisco, ND
@DrLoBisco
Recently, the IARC (International Agency of Research on Cancer), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), warned the public that consumption of processed meat and red meat could be linked to cancer. This resulted from the findings for a working group of 22 experts who reviewed over 800 studies.
Most of the studies were most strongly linked to colon cancer, but there was also links to pancreatic and prostate cancer. Red meat fared slightly better than processed meat in the analysis, and the group did admit that red meat holds nutritional value such as B12, which is beneficial. A quote from a nutritional expert in Health Day stated:
“The headlines surrounding this report are alarming, but the findings do not support that eating any and all meat will definitively cause cancer,” said Dana White, a clinical assistant professor of athletic training and sports medicine at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. “As a registered dietitian, I like to look at the big picture of the overall diet. Red meat can provide important nutrients such as essential amino acids, iron and vitamin B12. When lean cuts are consumed in moderation, it can still fit into a healthy diet.”
Interesting, red meat was classified as a possible carcinogen at the same level as the pesticide ingredient, glyphosate. Now that’s an interesting caveat. I think we have several things going on.
The issue of CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) and their use of hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs.
CDC lists various health dangers of CAFOs including pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and environmental contamination. All of these aspects impact immune function and can lead to alterations in gastrointestinal microbiota and result in shifts in immune regulatory signals. Due to the fact 80% of antibiotics are being used in the meat industry, this would negatively impact the animals’ microbiome and ultimately the consumers.
Furthermore, these CAFO animals are being fed food which is chemical-laden and contains GMOs, also effecting the microbiome. We know that the gut microbes in someone’s belly causes differences in the breakdown of specific components of meat. This was made evident by the studies in 2013 that linked the metabolite trimethylamaine-N-oxide (TAMO) to meat eaters with compromised guts. This was not found in vegetarians who had a different microbiome or in meat eaters with a sterile belly.
Meat processing
According to Health Day:
“Meats processed [treated with chemicals, or smoked/cured, to allow longer storage] seem to have a stronger relationship with the development of cancer, and may deserve special attention to ascertain why,” said Dr. Arun Swaminath, director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
“One mechanism is that this processing increases the level of aromatic amines and aromatic hydrocarbons in the food, which can cause damage to human DNA, which increases the risk of colon cancer,” Swaminath explained.
Adding to this is statement, processed meat from CAFOs would get a double whammy.
A study in 2015 reported, “Meat fat from organic and summer finished cattle contained higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid, its precursor vaccenic acid and individual omega-3 fatty acids and had a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids compared with non-organic and winter finished cattle respectively. The fat profile from summer finished organic beef aligns better to recommended dietary guideline including those for long chain omega-3 fatty acids compared with that from winter finished, non-organic steak.”
It would be interesting to see the difference in cancer risk between those who ate organic meats with a balanced diet verses those who ate processed meat and conventional red meat.
Overall dietary patterns matter
Most Americans are eating too much meat and too little phytonutrients. Fiber and flavonoids are needed for that precious microbiome along with balancing anti-inflammatory fats. Meat is only part of the equation. We have had evidence from observational studies that fiber-rich diets are protective against colon cancer, which has since been less clear. I think it’s important to point out that this recommendation was based on associations and many other factors are important with mitigating cancer risk.
That being said, I think excessive consumption of red meat and eating processed meat is not a wise idea for most people who wish to obtain optimal health. However, meat is usually a very nutrient-dense food and necessary for many to maintain a balanced diet.
For more information, check out the press release from the World Health Organization.
Sarah Lobisco, ND, is a graduate of the University of Bridgeport’s College of Naturopathic Medicine (UBCNM). She is licensed in Vermont as a naturopathic doctor and holds a Bachelor of Psychology from State University of New York at Geneseo. Dr. LoBisco is a speaker on integrative health, has several publications, and is a certification candidate in functional medicine. Dr. LoBisco currently incorporates her training as a naturopathic doctor and functional medicine practitioner through writing, researching, private practice, and through her independent contracting work for companies regarding supplements, nutraceuticals, essential oils, and medical foods. She has a small, private wellness consultation practice through telephone and Skype. Dr. LoBisco also enjoys continuing to educate and empower her readers through her blogs and social media.
References:
International Agency of Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs evaluate consumption of red meat and processed meat. Press Release. October 26, 2015. http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2015/pdfs/pr240_E.pdf
Foster R. Processed Meat Can Cause Cancer: WHO. Health Day. October 26, 2015. http://consumer.healthday.com/cancer-information-5/colon-cancer-news-96/processed-meat-can-cause-cancer-who-704606.html
NRDC. Meat + Drugs= Superbugs. http://www.nrdc.org/food/saving-antibiotics.asp
CDC. Understanding CAFOs and their Impact on Communities. Accessed at: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Docs/Understanding_CAFOs_NALBOH.pdf
Graham M, Crooke R, Edwards PA, Hazen SL, Lusis AJ. Trimethylamine-N-oxide, a metabolite associated with atherosclerosis, exhibits complex genetic and dietary regulation (abstract). Cell Metab. 2013 Jan 8;17(1):49-60. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.12.011.
Schwabe RF, Jobin C. Themicrobiome and cancer. Nature Reviews Cancer. 2013; 13, 800–812. doi:10.1038/nrc3610
Harvard. Fiber and Colon Cancer: Following the Scientific Trail. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fiber-and-colon-cancer/
Kamihiro S, Stergiadis S, Leifert C, Eyre MD, Butler G. Meat quality and health implications of organic and conventional beef production. Meat Sci. 2015 Feb;100:306-18.
