Key Takeaways:
- Edacious partnered with Utah State University and the Bionutrient Institute to study nutrient density in beef.
- The study found that beef’s nutritional composition varies significantly based on production practices.
- Early data indicates higher levels of omega-3s and phytochemicals in beef raised on diverse pasture-based systems.
- Edacious provided digital infrastructure to organize, visualize, and report the study’s findings.
- A public data dashboard is available for researchers, producers, and food system stakeholders.
Edacious Contributes to Collaborative Study on Beef Nutrient Density
Edacious, an agri-food technology company, has partnered with the Bionutrient Institute and Utah State University in a multi-year research initiative examining the nutrient composition of beef. The study explores how variables such as feed type, pasture quality, genetics, and animal management systems affect the nutritional makeup of beef products.
“This project moves us closer to answering the question of whether we are getting enough—and the right kind—of nutrition from the food we eat,” said Eric Smith, CEO of Edacious.
The study is part of a broader effort to better understand the links between agricultural practices and food quality through science-based analysis and data transparency.
A Cross-Disciplinary Approach to Nutritional Analysis
Data Collection and Analytical Methods
Led by the Bionutrient Institute, sample collection included beef, soil, forage, and animal stool across a variety of farming systems. These samples were accompanied by records on land management and feed practices. Utah State University’s Dr. Stephan van Vliet directed the laboratory component, using both targeted and untargeted metabolomics to evaluate a wide range of compounds, including fatty acids, phytochemicals, macronutrients, and minerals.
“Our work found differences in nutritional compounds based on production systems,” said Dr. van Vliet. “Beef raised in pasture-based systems showed increased presence of some nutrients not commonly associated with animal foods.”
Edacious Provides Tools for Data Visualization and Access
Reporting Nutritional Outcomes
Edacious developed the digital tools used to structure and present the data, including the public-facing Nutrient Density in Beef Dashboard. The platform allows users to explore correlations between variables—such as pasture composition or breed—and nutritional characteristics of beef.
The dashboard is accessible here.
“What we’re learning is that nutrient density is influenced by a complex set of factors. This study helps quantify those relationships,” added Smith.
Initial Results: Nutritional Differences in Production Systems
Summary of Findings
The study’s early findings suggest that beef raised on polyculture pastures contained:
- Over 100% more total omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA and EPA
- A lower omega-6:omega-3 ratio
- 78.5% more calcium
- Higher levels of phytochemicals in 72% of the compounds tested
- Approximately 18% less total fat content
Grain-fed samples, by contrast, showed elevated concentrations of certain B vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids, potentially influenced by supplementation practices. The study notes that variability exists within both pasture- and grain-based systems depending on specific production methods.
Framework Development for Nutrient Density
The Bionutrient Institute has launched a working group—the Bionutrient Definition Standards Board (BDSB)—to develop a consistent, data-driven definition of nutrient density. This initiative integrates findings across soil health, animal microbiome data, and agricultural management.
“This research is a community-led effort to build shared definitions through transparency and science,” said Dan Kittredge, Executive Director of the Institute.
Dr. van Vliet’s lab will continue to analyze additional data and biomarkers, with further results expected later in 2025.
