Is bison inflammatory? The scientific facts

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2013 study published in Nutrition Research involving healthy men demonstrated that consuming bison meat resulted in a reduced inflammatory response and oxidative stress compared to eating conventional beef. This scientific evidence suggests that the question, 'is bison inflammatory?' has a surprisingly positive answer, largely dependent on the animal's diet.

Quick Summary

Grass-fed bison meat is not inflammatory; its nutritional profile, rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, CLA, and selenium, combined with a healthier fatty acid ratio, makes it a healthier red meat option.

Key Points

Not Inflammatory: High-quality, grass-fed bison is considered anti-inflammatory, not inflammatory.
Beneficial Fatty Acid Ratio: Grass-fed bison has a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio (approx. 4:1) compared to conventional beef, which can be over 20:1.
Rich in CLA: Bison meat, especially from pasture-raised animals, is higher in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.
High in Antioxidants: Bison is a great source of selenium, a potent antioxidant that protects cells and aids in immune function.
Study-Backed Benefits: Scientific studies have shown that consuming bison can reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress compared to beef consumption.
Sourcing Matters: To maximize anti-inflammatory benefits, it's best to choose 100% grass-fed and grass-finished bison over grain-finished options.
Lean and Healthy: Bison is significantly lower in fat and calories than conventional beef, making it a lean, nutrient-dense protein source.

The Scientific Facts About Bison and Inflammation

Despite red meat's reputation for potentially promoting inflammation, bison meat presents a strong counterargument. Scientific studies have highlighted a key difference in the nutritional profiles of bison and conventional beef, particularly when comparing the fatty acid composition. The conclusion from multiple sources is that bison is generally not inflammatory and, specifically, grass-fed bison can have anti-inflammatory benefits due to its unique combination of nutrients.

Omega-3 vs. Omega-6 Fatty Acids

The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a critical factor in determining a food's effect on inflammation. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation, while an excessive amount of omega-6s can promote it. The key takeaway is the ratio. Conventional, grain-fed beef often has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, sometimes as high as 20:1. In contrast, grass-fed bison maintains a much healthier balance, with ratios closer to 4:1 or even lower. This favorable ratio is a primary reason why bison is considered anti-inflammatory.

The Role of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in grass-fed ruminants. Research has shown CLA to possess anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-carcinogenic properties. Since bison are typically pasture-raised, their meat contains higher concentrations of CLA compared to feedlot-fed beef. This makes grass-fed bison a significant dietary source of this beneficial fatty acid, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Antioxidants: Selenium and Beyond

In addition to its beneficial fatty acid profile, bison meat is a rich source of antioxidants, most notably selenium. Selenium functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting the immune system. A single serving of grass-fed bison can provide a substantial portion of the daily recommended intake of selenium, further bolstering its anti-inflammatory credentials.

Grass-Fed Bison: Why Sourcing Matters

The diet of the bison directly affects its nutritional value. While most bison are primarily range-fed, some commercial operations may use grain-finishing. As detailed earlier, this can significantly alter the fatty acid profile. Choosing 100% grass-fed and grass-finished bison ensures you are getting the optimal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and highest concentration of beneficial nutrients like CLA and selenium. It's crucial for consumers to verify the sourcing of their bison meat to reap the full anti-inflammatory benefits.

Bison vs. Conventional Beef: A Nutritional Comparison

To fully understand the difference in inflammatory potential, it is useful to compare the nutritional breakdown of bison and conventional beef. This table highlights key areas where bison often comes out ahead.


Nutrient Aspect	Grass-Fed Bison	Conventional Grain-Fed Beef
Fat Content	Generally lower, especially saturated fat	Generally higher, especially saturated fat
Calories	Significantly fewer calories	Higher calories due to higher fat content
Omega-6:3 Ratio	Healthier ratio (approx. 4:1 or less)	High, potentially inflammatory ratio (20:1+)
CLA Content	Higher concentration	Lower concentration
Selenium	Rich source	Varies, but generally not as high as grass-fed bison

The Proper Preparation of Bison

Since bison is leaner than beef, it requires careful preparation to maintain its texture and flavor while preserving its health benefits. Overcooking can lead to dryness. Here are some tips for cooking bison effectively:

Handle with care: Because it's so lean, bison can dry out easily. Use lower temperatures and shorter cooking times than you would for beef.
Safe temperatures: Cook ground bison to an internal temperature of 160°F (71.1°C) to ensure safety, as recommended by the USDA. Steaks and roasts can be cooked to a minimum of 145°F and rested for three minutes.
Moisture is key: For leaner cuts, consider braising, stewing, or using a marinade to retain moisture.

Conclusion: Is Bison Inflammatory?

Based on its nutritional composition and supporting scientific research, bison is not an inflammatory food. On the contrary, grass-fed bison, with its favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, high levels of CLA, and abundant selenium, offers significant anti-inflammatory benefits compared to conventional beef. The key lies in choosing quality, grass-fed products and cooking them properly to preserve their nutritional integrity and flavor. By making this informed choice, consumers can enjoy a healthier red meat option that supports overall well-being. For a deeper dive into the research, consider reading the study on bison's lower atherogenic risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, bison meat is generally not considered inflammatory for people with arthritis. Its high omega-3 fatty acid content, CLA, and selenium may actually offer anti-inflammatory benefits that could be helpful in managing conditions like arthritis.

Grass-fed bison is significantly less inflammatory than grain-fed beef. It has a much lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which is beneficial for reducing inflammation, whereas the high omega-6 content in grain-fed beef can promote it.

Proper cooking is important. Overcooking lean bison meat can degrade some of its beneficial nutrients, though the core fatty acid profile remains. Using lower temperatures and shorter cooking times helps preserve its nutritional integrity.

The risks of eating bison are similar to any other red meat and mainly involve food safety. It is crucial to cook bison to a safe internal temperature (160°F / 71.1°C for ground meat) to prevent foodborne illnesses like E. coli and brucellosis.

Bison's anti-inflammatory properties come from several key nutrients, including a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and the antioxidant selenium.

Yes, for managing inflammation, bison is often a healthier choice than conventional beef, especially when comparing grass-fed bison to grain-fed beef. The superior fatty acid profile and higher nutrient content contribute to this benefit.

To be safe from harmful bacteria and parasites, ground bison should be cooked to 160°F. For steaks and roasts, while they can be cooked to a lower temperature, the USDA recommends cooking all raw steaks and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.

Yes, bison meat is naturally higher in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional beef. This is particularly true for grass-fed bison.

Selenium in bison meat acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and supporting a healthy immune response, both of which are key to fighting inflammation.