Nutritional Importance of Animal-Sourced Foods in a Healthy Diet

Teresa A. Davis

Animal-sourced foods are nutrient-dense foods that provide substantial amounts of high-quality protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are challenging to obtain solely through the consumption of plant-based foods. Numerous studies have documented that animal-sourced foods provide crucial nutrients that support the growth and development of children, maintenance of muscle mass in adults, and mitigation of sarcopenia in the elderly. Animal-sourced foods also can play an important role in weight management, prevention of anemia, and promotion of muscle mass and strength in exercising individuals. Although some epidemiological or observational studies have raised concerns that animal-sourced foods may increase the risk for chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, other epidemiological and clinical studies do not support these assertions. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services, support the role of animal-sourced foods in the diet at every stage of life. Lean meat is a high-quality protein source that is nutrient dense and low in calories and thus, plays an important role in a healthy diet.