Iowa's beef producers would like to share some research news about teens and diet.

According to University of Iowa College of Public Health researcher, Linda Snetselaar, Ph.D., "Diets rich in lean beef can help teenagers maintain their levels of useable iron, teach important balanced eating habits and dispel rumors that all healthy diets are challenging and lack taste."

The study, published in the March 2004 Journal of the American Dietetic Association, looked at iron and cholesterol levels in 86 Iowa seventh and eighth graders throughout a three-month period. To access the entire release, please go to the University of Iowa News website at: www.uiowa.edu/%7Eournews/2004/april/042804lean-beef.html.

This study was funded by a grant from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), General Clinical Research Centers Programs, of the National Institutes of Health and beef checkoff funds from the Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Date: 4/21/05