Most Popular Questions | Dietary Guidelines for Americans

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id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="region-content usa-width-full"> <div class="region region-content"> <div id="block-dietaryguidelines-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <article data-history-node-id="47" about="/most-popular-questions" typeof="schema:WebPage"> <span property="schema:name" content="Most Popular Questions " class="rdf-meta hidden"></span> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--usda-raw paragraph--view-mode--default usda-raw" id="usda-raw-4109"> <style type="text/css">.usa-accordion-content ul { list-style-type: disc; } </style> </div> <div class="usda-panel color-gray-lightest paragraph paragraph--type--usda-panel paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content"> <div class="usa-grid"> <div class="usa-grid"> <div class="usda-pictext usda-pictext-md paragraph paragraph--type--usda-picture-text-row paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content"> <article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-default"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2019-03/question-bubble.jpg" width="408" height="394" alt="white bubble with question mark inside and yellow backround" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </article> <div class="usda-pictext-text"> <h2>Have a specific question?</h2> <p>Click on the sections below to find answers.</p> <p><strong>General Questions</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#DGAmer"><em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em></a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Work Underway Questions</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#Process">Process for the<em> Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030</em> </a></li> <li><a href="#Nomination">2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee</a></li> <li><a href="#Scientific">Scientific Questions for the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030</em></a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Current Edition Questions</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#CEGen">General Information for the<em> Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em></a></li> <li><a href="#CESelect">Select Topics for the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em> </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-text paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content" id="uswds-text-205"> <div class="usa-grid"> <h3><a id="DGAmer" name="DGAmer"></a>General Questions</h3> <h4><em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em></h4> </div> </div> <div class="usa-grid"> <ul class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default"> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="true" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-206"> Q: What is the Dietary Guidelines for Americans? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-206" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> is the cornerstone of Federal nutrition policy and nutrition education activities, providing food-based recommendations to promote health, help prevent diet-related disease, and meet nutrient needs. HHS and USDA jointly publish the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> every 5 years.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3855"> Q: How is the Dietary Guidelines for Americans used? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3855" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> informs a variety of Federal activities, such as updating nutrition standards for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Federally funded nutrition education activities also use the <em>Dietary Guidelines </em>to develop messages, while also tailoring to meet the particular needs of a specific audience based on culture, context, life stage, and other considerations where needed. Besides the Federal government, Tribal, state, and local governments, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and the private sector use the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> to inform their research, policy, programs, and practices for public health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. </p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3856"> Q: Why is the Dietary Guidelines updated every five years? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3856" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The <em>Dietary Guidelines </em>was first released in 1980. In 1990, Congress passed the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act, which mandates in Section 301 that HHS and USDA jointly publish the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> at least every five years. The law requires that the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> is based on the preponderance of current scientific and medical knowledge. You can learn more about the <a href="/about-dietary-guidelines/history-dietary-guidelines">history</a> of the Dietary Guidelines by visiting our page on this topic. The <a href="/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf"><em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em> </a>is the current edition until the next edition is released.</p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usda-panel color-white paragraph paragraph--type--usda-panel paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content"> <div class="usa-grid"> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-text paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content" id="uswds-text-3539"> <div class="usa-grid"> <h3><em><a id="Process" name="Process"></a></em>Work Underway Questions</h3> <h4>Process for the<em> Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030</em></h4> </div> </div> <div class="usa-grid"> <ul class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default"> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3535"> Q: What is the process for developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3535" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Updating the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> is a scientifically rigorous, multi-year process that includes opportunities for public participation. The process is best understood through five steps:</p> <ul> <li>Step 1: Identify the Scientific Questions</li> <li>Step 2: Appoint the Advisory Committee</li> <li>Step 3: Review of the Evidence by the Advisory Committee</li> <li>Step 4: Develop the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em></li> <li>Step 5: Implement the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em></li> </ul> <p>Each of these steps including opportunities for public participation are described in detail under the <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="edabdeb3-97a5-4db6-99a6-f6923e88f518" href="/learn-about-process">Learn About the Process</a> section. Step 3 is the current step in the process. This step ends with the submission of the Committee’s scientific report to the Secretaries of HHS and USDA. The Departments will develop the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025 – 2030</em>, informed by the Committee’s scientific report and with consideration of Federal agency input and public comments. HHS and USDA plan to release the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> by the end of 2025.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3957"> Q: What efforts have been made to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the process to develop the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3957" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: HHS and USDA will consider factors related to DEI in every step – from the identification of scientific questions to the appointment of the Committee, throughout the Committee’s scientific review and development of its scientific report, and in the drafting of the next edition of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>.</p> <p>Regarding the Committee, efforts were made to convene a group of experts that represent a diversity of expertise and experience and is reflective of the racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity within the United States. Additionally, HHS and USDA selected Committee members with health equity expertise.</p> <p>Across all our scientific approaches used to review the evidence, we will ensure that factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture are considered and described to the greatest extent possible based on the information provided in the scientific literature and data. For example, the proposed scientific questions that will utilize the food pattern modeling approach state that population norms, preferences, and needs of the diverse individuals and cultural foodways within the U.S. population should be considered when the Committee assesses whether changes should be made to the USDA Dietary Patterns.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3857"> Q: What is the next step in the process? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3857" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: HHS and USDA appointed the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to review the scientific evidence on diet and health. The Committee will meet seven times, and all Committee meetings can be viewed virtually by the public. Additionally, the public is encouraged to submit public comments up until October 7, 2024. The Committee will develop a scientific report with independent science-based advice that will be submitted to the Secretaries of HHS and USDA for consideration and development of the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030</em>. Upon delivery of its report to the Secretaries or when its 2-year charter expires (whichever comes first), the activities of the Committee will end. Once the Departments receive the Scientific Report from the Committee, a separate comment period will be opened to collect input from the public, which will be used to inform the next edition of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3858"> Q: What are HHS and USDA doing to advance the process of developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3858" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> is a critical tool for improving the health of Americans. Below are examples of actions taken by the Departments to continue to evolve and strengthen the process:</p> <ul> <li>The Departments have taken numerous steps to enhance transparency by sharing information throughout <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="edabdeb3-97a5-4db6-99a6-f6923e88f518" href="/learn-about-process">each step of the development process</a> on DietaryGuidelines.gov. This includes providing access to live and recorded public meetings, public comments, protocols for the scientific review, and draft conclusion statements. In addition, the public has opportunities to provide comments and was invited to nominate members to serve on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.</li> <li>HHS and USDA continue to evaluate the methodologies for <a href="/examine-evidence#systematic-reviews">NESR systematic reviews</a> and <a href="/examine-evidence#food-pattern-modeling">food pattern modeling</a> to ensure that these approaches are in line with best practices (see questions below). NESR has developed a process called “continuous evidence monitoring” (CEM), which is a process that uses established systematic review protocols to periodically search for, screen, and prepare evidence for future systematic reviews. CEM can be used to monitor the evidence on high priority questions to help determine if sufficient new research is available to update existing NESR systematic reviews. Additionally, efforts are being made to ensure that data analysis methodologies capture the most updated and relevant data possible, including data that represent potential changes in dietary intake due to COVID-19.</li> <li>USDA has completed work with a contractor to gain insights from experts to start the process of applying the complex methodology of systems science as effectively as possible to the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> process while ensuring that the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> continue to reflect the highest standard of scientific integrity and contain information adaptable for public health and consumer use. A comprehensive report with potential action strategies to integrate systems science methodologies into the development and implementation processes is now available. View the report, <a href="/related-projects#SystemsScience"><em>Applicability of Systems Science Approaches to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em></a>, on the Related Projects page.</li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3859"> Q: What efforts are made to ensure NESR systematic reviews are conducted using rigorous systematic methodology? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3859" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: <a href="https://nesr.usda.gov/about" rel="noreferrer">NESR</a> has maintained a robust Continuous Quality Advancement (CQA) program since its inception. Through this CQA program, NESR routinely evaluates and refines its methodology and tools to ensure that NESR’s process remains state-of-the-art. CQA work results in timely updates to the NESR methodology manual, procedure, and training materials.</p> <p>Engagement with other leading systematic review organizations is a crucial component of NESR’s CQA program. NESR works to learn from the expertise of these other systematic review organizations’ methodological advances and technological infrastructure while making sure that NESR methods are appropriate for public health nutrition decision-making. Leveraging the work of other organizations ensures NESR methodology aligns with current best practices and that staff are adequately trained, promotes efficiency and resource management, and ensures the ongoing high quality and credibility of NESR work.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4305"> Q: Will the 2025 Committee have its systematic reviews, food pattern modeling, and data analysis reports undergo peer review? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4305" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>Yes, the Committee’s systematic reviews and food pattern modeling will undergo peer review. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will coordinate the peer review process for systematic reviews and food pattern modeling reports. All peer reviewers will be external to the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> process – not including current Committee members or Federal staff who support the Committee or the development of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>. NIH will identify potential peer reviewers through outreach to a variety of professional organizations to select academic reviewers from U.S. colleges and universities across the country with a doctorate degree, including MDs, and expertise specific to the questions being reviewed. For more information about the peer review process, please email NIH at <a href="mailto:nichddgacpeerreview@mail.nih.gov" rel="noreferrer">nichddgacpeerreview@mail.nih.gov</a>.</p> <p>The Committee is also using data analysis to answer scientific questions. Data source experts from the Federal interagency partners who are familiar with methodologies for data collection and analyses, are reviewing all Federal data analysis reports and supplements. More information about the approaches the Committee is using to examine the evidence, including systematic review, food pattern modeling, and data analysis methodologies can be found by visiting the <a href="/examine-evidence">Examine the Evidence</a> section.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4099"> Q: What enhancements are being made to food pattern modeling methodology for the Dietary Guidelines, 2025-2030 process? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4099" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: To prepare for the establishment of the 2025 Committee, HHS and USDA collaborated on Continuous Quality Advancement (CQA) efforts for food pattern modeling, focusing on methods to better reflect the complex interactions involved, variability in intakes, and range of possible healthful diets. Federal staff evaluated the analytic methods and development of data inputs and constraints for food pattern modeling and compared them to methods used in the development of guidance in other countries, as well as other modeling exercises described in scientific publications. This effort is part of HHS and USDA’s commitment to drive continuous process advancements and adopt best practices. More information about advances in food pattern modeling analyses to support the work of the 2025 Committee will be provided during the Committee’s review.</p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-text paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content" id="uswds-text-3811"> <div class="usa-grid"> <h4><a id="Nomination" name="Nomination"></a>2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee</h4> </div> </div> <div class="usa-grid"> <ul class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default"> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3958"> Q: Who are the members of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Committee)? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3958" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The 2025 Committee includes 20 nationally recognized nutrition and public health experts. <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="404dc290-f62a-4833-b7ea-2d8f483fc158" href="/2025-advisory-committee">See the list of members here</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3868"> Q: What is the role of a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and its members? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3868" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The role of the Committee is to review the current body of nutrition science and develop a scientific report with advice and recommendations that are provided to HHS and USDA to help inform the development of the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030</em>. Specifically, the Committee will examine the scientific evidence on specific topics in nutrition and health using each of the <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0ad883a2-a589-4985-9772-fd62c7d4921f" href="/examine-evidence">following approaches</a>: systematic reviews, food pattern modeling, and data analysis. Conclusion statements and findings from the scientific questions answered using the three approaches will be used by the Committee to develop overarching advice to the Departments. Committee members will collaborate during public and subcommittee meetings, participate in the development of evidence review protocols, review and synthesize evidence, present scientific findings, consider public comments, and develop a scientific report.</p> <p>Being a Committee member is a volunteer position, and HHS and USDA greatly value the dedication, expertise, and contribution that each Committee member provides throughout the Committee’s tenure. Although Committee members serve without pay, travel for in-person meetings is reimbursed at approved rates.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3869"> Q: What was the process HHS and USDA used to establish the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, including assessment of conflicts of interest? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3869" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is formed under and governed by the <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/policy/federal-advisory-committee-act-faca-management-overview" rel="noreferrer">Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)</a>, which provides legal requirements for forming and using Federal advisory committees. According to FACA, a charter must be filed with Congress before a Federal advisory committee can meet or take any action. The charter for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee was filed on December 9, 2022. HHS and USDA accepted Committee nominations from the public. All complete nomination packages were reviewed by HHS and USDA program staff based on the following criteria:</p> <ul> <li>Professional Experience</li> <li>Educational Background</li> <li>Demonstrated Scientific Expertise</li> <li>Balanced and Diverse Membership</li> </ul> <p>Following review by program staff, nominees were evaluated by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Health and the USDA Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. Additional vetting included a background check by HHS to determine if any candidates have a financial, ethical, legal, and/or criminal conflict of interest that would prohibit them from serving on the Committee. In addition, in compliance with the Federal ethics laws and regulations, each Committee member submitted a confidential financial disclosure report and will continue to submit one annually until the Committee concludes. HHS ethics officials review the confidential financial disclosure report and ensure the member’s interests and affiliations comply with federal laws and regulations.</p> <p>The Secretaries of HHS and USDA reviewed formal nomination recommendations from the Departments on the proposed Committee members and jointly appointed individuals to serve on the Committee. To learn more, visit <a href="/learn-about-process#step-2-appoint-the-advisory-committee">Step 2: Appoint the Advisory Committee</a></p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4186"> Q: What was the review process for appointing members of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4186" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Each member of the Committee underwent extensive vetting prior to appointment. HHS serves as the administrative lead for the 2025 Committee and conducted background checks to determine if any candidates have a financial, ethical, legal, and/or criminal conflict of interest that would prohibit them from serving on the Committee. In addition, in compliance with the Federal ethics laws and regulations, each Committee member submitted a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (known as the <a href="https://www.oge.gov/Web/OGE.nsf/OGE%20Forms/072B8F6679028547852585B6005A2051/$FILE/OGE%20Form%20450%20Dec%202023.pdf?open" rel="noreferrer">OGE Form 450</a>) and will continue to submit one annually until the Committee concludes. HHS ethics officials reviewed the confidential financial disclosure reports and ensured the members’ interests and affiliations comply with federal laws and regulations. </p> <p>The members of the Committee are appointed as special government employees (SGEs).  All SGEs have a fiduciary responsibility to the federal government while working on advisory committees and must follow the comprehensive federal ethics laws, including the criminal conflicts of interest and financial disclosure reporting laws and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.  All SGEs must comply with the financial disclosure requirements found in the Office of Government Ethics regulations at <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/chapter-XVI/subchapter-B/part-2634/subpart-I" rel="noreferrer">5 C.F.R. § 2634, Subpart I</a>. </p> <p>All members of the Committee are in compliance with the Federal ethics laws and regulations governing conflicts of interest. All Committee members have complied with the reporting of all necessary financial information under these laws and any resulting recusal requirements.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4187"> Q: What steps have the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Committee) taken to improve transparency and disclose additional information to the public? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4187" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: In addition to the requirements under the Federal ethics laws and regulations (see question above), the Committee is voluntarily disclosing relationships, activities, and interests that may potentially be related to the content of the Committee’s scientific review, as defined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. “Related” refers to any relationship with for-profit or not-for-profit third parties whose interests may affect the content of the Committee’s report. These disclosures represent a commitment to transparency and do not necessarily indicate a bias. The Committee works together to review the evidence on diet and health and provide advice. The decisions of the Committee are collective, and therefore, the Committee provides its disclosures collectively. Disclosures reflect the past 12 months. </p> <p>View the Committee’s voluntary disclosures on the <a href="/2025-advisory-committee">About the Committee page</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4101"> Q: When are the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee meetings and how do I register? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4101" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The Committee will hold seven virtual meetings. All Committee meetings are available to the public virtually (live and recorded). Meeting dates and registration can be found on our page, <a href="/submit-comment/attend-virtual-meetings">Attend Virtual Meetings</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4102"> Q: How can I participate in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee review process? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4102" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: There are multiple opportunities for public participation before, during, and after the Committee’s review of the evidence. A public comment period opened on January 19, 2023, and will remain open until October 7, 2024, to allow for public comments on the Committee’s scientific review. To learn more, visit our page on how to <a href="/submit-comment">Get Involved</a>, and <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USOPHSODPHPHF/subscriber/new?topic_id=USOPHSODPHPHF_146" rel="noreferrer">sign up</a> for email updates.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4188"> Q: Where can I find public comments submitted to the Committee? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4188" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: A public comment period opened on January 19, 2023, and will remain open until October 7, 2024, to allow for public comments on the Committee’s scientific review. To view public comments, go to our page on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/HHS-OASH-2022-0021-0001" rel="noreferrer">Regulations.gov</a> and click on “Browse Posted Comments.” The Docket number for the Federal Register Notice is OASH-2022-0021-0001.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4103"> Q: What is a charter, and where can I find the charter for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4103" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: A charter is a document that is required by law to establish a Federal advisory committee. The charter specifies the committee’s mission or charge, specific duties, and general operational characteristics. Information about the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee charter, including a copy of the charter, can be found at the <a href="/2025-advisory-committee/advisory-committee-resources">Advisory Committee Resources page</a>.</p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-text paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content" id="uswds-text-3538"> <div class="usa-grid"> <h4><a id="Scientific" name="Scientific"></a>Scientific Questions for the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030</em></h4> </div> </div> <div class="usa-grid"> <ul class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default"> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4168"> Q: Where can I find the prioritized list of scientific questions that the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee will examine? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4168" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: During <a href="/get-involved/meeting-2">meeting 2</a>, the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee discussed how they divided into <a href="/2025-advisory-committee/subcommittees">subcommittees</a> to refine and prioritize the scientific questions identified by HHS and USDA. The Committee works collectively across subcommittees to develop protocols and examine the evidence in preparation for its scientific report. To view the list, view <a href="/scientific-questions">scientific questions</a>.</p> <p>To learn more about how HHS and USDA developed and asked for public comments on the proposed scientific questions, visit <a href="/learn-about-process#step-1-identify-the-scientific-questions">Step 1: Identify the Scientific Questions</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3545"> Q: How did the Committee refine and prioritize the scientific questions? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3545" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: In February 2023, the Committee began its work to refine and prioritize the scientific questions that it would review. The Committee formed into working groups to prioritize the <a href="/scientific-questions">proposed list of scientific questions</a> provided by HHS and USDA. The working groups considered public comments and utilized the following criteria to prioritize the proposed scientific questions:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Relevance</strong>: Question is within the scope of the Dietary Guidelines and its focus on food-based recommendations, not clinical guidelines for medical treatment.</li> <li><strong>Importance</strong>: Question addresses an area of substantial public health concern, uncertainty, and/or knowledge gap.</li> <li><strong>Potential Impact to Federal Programs</strong>: There is a high probability that the question will provide the scientific foundation for guidance that would inform Federal food and nutrition policies and programs.</li> <li><strong>Avoiding Duplication</strong>: The question is not addressed through existing or planned evidence-based Federal guidance (other than the Dietary Guidelines).</li> </ul> <p>For proposed systematic review questions, USDA Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review (NESR) staff provided preliminary research availability estimates to the Committee to assist in determining whether sufficient evidence exists to conduct a new review or update an existing systematic review. Each question is addressed by one subcommittee, recognizing that some topics (e.g., dietary patterns) and populations (e.g., older adults) are addressed within multiple questions. In developing its scientific report, the Committee will consider the findings from individual questions and look collectively across the body of evidence to support its science-based advice to the Departments.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3953"> Q: What is a protocol, and why does the Committee develop them? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3953" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The Committee is answering a set of <a href="/scientific-questions">prioritized questions</a> that focus on the relationship between diet and health across the lifespan. The Committee is responsible for developing the protocols for each of its prioritized questions. A protocol – or plan – is developed for questions answered using systematic review or food pattern modeling methodologies. A protocol describes how the methodology will be tailored to answer a specific question. The protocol is created by the Committee before it examines any evidence and is shared with the public to better understand how a specific question or topic will be answered. Developing protocols provides transparency, guards against selective reporting, avoids duplication of effort, and facilitates peer review and public comment.</p> <p>The public is encouraged to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/HHS-OASH-2022-0021/document" rel="noreferrer">submit written comments</a> to the Committee on topics relevant to its work, including the protocols. Protocols are now available for the questions the Committee is examining during its evidence review. Systematic review protocols can be found on the USDA Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review’s (NESR) website at <a href="https://nesr.usda.gov/protocols" rel="noreferrer">NESR.usda.gov/protocols</a>, and Food Pattern Modeling protocols can be found on <a href="/examine-evidence#food-pattern-modeling">the Food Pattern Modeling page</a>. The data analysis plan that outlines the process, strategy, and analyses can be found on <a href="examine-evidence#data-analysis">the Data Analysis page</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3860"> Q: How will the evidence on macronutrient (carbohydrates, fats, and protein) requirements and their relationship with health outcomes be reviewed? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3860" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Each edition of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> is informed by the Committee’s scientific report, public comments, Federal agency input, existing evidence-based Federal guidance, and nutrient requirements set by the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). The DRIs provide reference values for macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and other food components that indicate daily intake amounts to meet the needs of most healthy people, prevent excessive intakes, and reduce risk of chronic disease. These reference values provide an important source of evidence for the food-based recommendations provided in the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>.</p> <p>The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) establishes DRIs for the United States and Canada. The DRIs for macronutrients, including the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR) for carbohydrates, are used as inputs into the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>, and scientific review of the DRIs is the appropriate process to consider the macronutrient distribution in diets. <a href="https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/dietary-guidelines/dietary-reference-intakes-dris" rel="noreferrer">The Joint U.S.-Canadian DRI Working Group</a> has commissioned a review with NASEM of all the different types of DRI values for macronutrients and energy. The review began in Fall 2021 and seeks to review the DRIs for all macronutrients over a period of several years. The review of macronutrients will address energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber. HHS and USDA support this effort. The review of the <a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/dietary-reference-intakes-for-energy" rel="noreferrer">energy DRI</a> is complete.</p> <p>The Joint U.S.-Canadian DRI Working Group has also commissioned systematic reviews with the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) to support updates to the DRIs. AHRQ is conducting reviews on protein and carbohydrate:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/dietary-protein-intake/protocol" rel="noreferrer">Evaluation of Dietary Protein Intake Requirements</a></li> <li><a href="https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/effect-protein-intake/protocol" rel="noreferrer">The Effect of Protein Intake on Health</a></li> <li><a href="https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/fiber-intake/protocol" rel="noreferrer">Fiber Intake and Laxation Outcomes</a></li> <li><a href="https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/effect-dietary-digestible" rel="noreferrer">The Effect of Dietary Digestible Carbohydrate Intake on Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Growth, Size, and Body Composition</a></li> <li><a href="https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/risk-cardiovascular-disease" rel="noreferrer">The Effect of Dietary Digestible Carbohydrate Intake on Risk of Cardiovascular Disease</a></li> <li><a href="https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/carbohydrate-intake/protocol" rel="noreferrer">Digestive Carbohydrate Intake and Maternal-Infant Outcomes</a></li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-4351"> Q: Is the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reclassifying potatoes as grains? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-4351" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: No, potatoes are a vegetable, and the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is not reclassifying potatoes into the Grains food group. </p> <p>The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> is a framework for healthy eating. The U.S. population is diverse, and this is reflected in what and how we eat. In exploring the flexibility of the USDA Dietary Patterns in the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>, the Committee is examining data within and across food groups. These analyses are based on dietary practices of certain population groups in the U.S., and the intention is to better understand the nutritional impacts of these dietary practices. For example, in some population groups in the United States, vegetables like corn, plantains, or taro root might be emphasized as staple foods.</p> <p>These analyses will help the Committee more equitably consider the diversity of foodways and range of population needs, cultural norms, and preferences in the United States, but this will not result in reclassifying any vegetable, including potatoes, as a grain. It is part of the Committee’s work using <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0ad883a2-a589-4985-9772-fd62c7d4921f" href="/examine-evidence">three approaches</a> to examine the scientific evidence on a broad range of topics that will inform its advice to HHS and USDA as the Departments develop the next edition of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3861"> Q: What are HHS and USDA doing to update the recommendations for alcohol consumption? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3861" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Alcoholic beverages and health remain a high priority topic. HHS and USDA are addressing the scientific reviews on this topic through efforts separate from the <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="404dc290-f62a-4833-b7ea-2d8f483fc158" href="/2025-advisory-committee">2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee</a>. The topic of alcoholic beverages and health is complex, and requires  specific expertise and a comprehensive review. The scientific reviews are being conducted by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) committee and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) working on complementary tracks. Both committee review processes will include opportunities for public participation and will include external scientific peer review.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/iccpud" rel="noreferrer">Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking</a> (ICCPUD), led by the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is supporting analyses to generate risk estimates for various health outcomes associated with alcohol consumption. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is supporting a scientific committee, mandated in the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, to conduct a series of systematic reviews and/or evidence scans on alcohol intake and various health outcomes; more information about the NASEM study can be found on its <a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/review-of-evidence-on-alcohol-and-health" rel="noreferrer">project page</a>.</p> <p>These efforts are under way and slated to be completed by the end of December 2024. Each will result in a report with findings, not recommendations on alcohol consumption. These findings will be considered by HHS and USDA as the Departments develop the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines.</p> <p>For more information on the ICCPUD and NASEM work, please go to our “<a href="/related-projects#uswds-text-2587">Related Projects</a>” page.</p> <p>For more information on guidance on alcoholic beverages in the Dietary Guidelines, visit <a href="/alcohol/info">our page</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3862"> Q: Where can I find public comments submitted on the proposed scientific questions? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3862" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The public comment period for the proposed scientific questions was open from April 15 - May 16, 2022. To view public comments, go to our page on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/HHS-OASH-2022-0005-0001" rel="noreferrer">Regulations.gov</a> and click on “Browse Posted Comments.” If you have problems accessing the link, you can also search Regulations.gov with OASH-2022-0005, the Docket number for this <em>Federal Register </em>Notice.</p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usda-panel color-white paragraph paragraph--type--usda-panel paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content"> <div class="usa-grid"> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-text paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content" id="uswds-text-249"> <div class="usa-grid"> <h3><a id="CEGen" name="CEGen"></a>Current Edition Questions</h3> <h4>General Information for the<em> Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em></h4> </div> </div> <div class="usa-grid"> <ul class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default"> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-250"> Q: What is new and different in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-250" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em> is the first edition that provides guidance for healthy dietary patterns by life stage, from birth through older adulthood, and for the first time, there are chapters devoted to each life stage, including chapters on infants and toddlers and women who are pregnant or lactating. </p> <p>Check out our <a href="/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials/top-10-things-you-need-know-about-dietary">Top 10 Things to Know About the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em></a> resource.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3871"> Q: What is the main takeaway/guidance from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3871" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: This edition of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> emphasizes the importance of choosing nutrient-dense foods and beverages in place of less healthy choices at every life stage, and that it is never too early or too late to improve food and beverage choices to build a healthy dietary pattern. Its call to action is “Make Every Bite Count with the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em>.” The four overarching guidelines to help make that happen are: </p> <ol> <li>Follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage. </li> <li>Customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations. </li> <li>Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages and stay within calorie limits. </li> <li>Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages. </li> </ol> <p>For most individuals, no matter their age or health status, achieving a healthy dietary pattern will require changes in food and beverage choices. The good news is that a healthy dietary pattern is not a rigid prescription. Rather, the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> provides a customizable framework of core elements within which individuals can make tailored and affordable, nutrient-dense choices that meet their personal preferences and cultural traditions.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3872"> Q: Were there opportunities for public participation in the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3872" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: USDA and HHS provided multiple opportunities for public participation before, throughout, and after the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s review of the science, and the Departments valued this engagement. See our infographic <a href="/sites/default/files/2020-12/Infographic_Public_Engagement_Strengthens_the_Process.pdf">Public Engagement Strengthens the Process</a> to learn more about the opportunities for public engagement in the process to develop the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. </em></p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3873"> Q: Where can I find the public comments submitted throughout the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 development process? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3873" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: USDA and HHS provided multiple opportunities for public participation before, throughout, and after the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s review of the science, and the Departments value everyone’s engagement. All public comments submitted throughout the development process are available through Regulations.gov.</p> <ul> <li>View <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/FNS-2018-0005-0001" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">written comments</a> provided to USDA and HHS on the process to identify the topics and supporting scientific questions to be examined by the Committee.</li> <li>View <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FNS-2019-0001" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">written comments</a> submitted to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.</li> <li>View <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FNS-2020-0015" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">written comments</a> submitted to USDA and HHS on the Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report.</li> </ul> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3874"> Q: How are the Dietary Guidelines developed? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3874" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Each edition of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> builds on the preceding edition, with the scientific justification for revisions informed by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report, consultation with subject matter experts within Federal agencies, and consideration of comments from these agencies and the public. As with previous editions, development of the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em> involved a step-by-step process of writing, review, and revision conducted by a writing team of Federal staff from USDA and HHS. The writing team included Federal nutrition scientists with expertise in the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> and related research and programs as well as specialists with expertise in communicating nutrition information. Key tenets of writing the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> are that it must:</p> <ul> <li>Represent the totality of the evidence examined</li> <li>Address the needs of Federal programs</li> <li>Reduce unintended consequences </li> <li>Follow best practices for developing guidelines</li> <li>Use plain language</li> </ul> <p>Any revisions to previous editions of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> must have sufficient scientific justification, and by law, must be based on the preponderance of scientific and medical knowledge current at the time and not on individual studies, emerging science, or opinion. To support transparency, the Departments <a href="/about-dietary-guidelines/related-projects/usda-hhs-response-national-academies-sciences-engineering">documented</a> how the Committee’s scientific report was used to develop the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em>.</p> <p>Learn more about how USDA and HHS developed the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> by visiting <a href="/usda-hhs-development-dietary-guidelines">our page</a> on this topic.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3875"> Q: How do I get a copy of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3875" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em> is currently available to download for free on <a href="/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials">DietaryGuidelines.gov</a>. A hard copy version is also available for purchase through the <a href="https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/dietary-guidelines-americans-2020-2025" rel="noreferrer">U.S. Government Bookstore</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3876"> Q: How do I cite the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3876" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Suggested citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em>. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at <a href="/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials">DietaryGuidelines.gov</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3877"> Q: Where can I find the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s work? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3877" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Information related to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s work can be found under “Current Dietary Guidelines” in the <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1da5fe71-67a7-4d7a-83e8-5e4414c1664e" href="/resources/about-process-2020">"Process to Develop the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines"</a> section. This section links to the Committee’s Scientific Report and public comments provided to USDA and HHS on the Committee’s Scientific Report. Additional supplementary information for <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ec67d693-75c5-4779-bbfe-2e3fc5923540" href="/2020-advisory-committee-report/data-analysis">data analysis</a> and <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1da19e2b-239f-4961-afb7-94c581cecbe6" href="/2020-advisory-committee-report/food-pattern-modeling">food pattern modeling</a> are also available on <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/">DietaryGuidelines.gov</a>. The completed NESR Systematic Reviews conducted by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee can be found on the <a href="https://nesr.usda.gov/" rel="noreferrer">NESR website</a>.</p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-text paragraph--view-mode--default usa-section usa-content" id="uswds-text-216"> <div class="usa-grid"> <h4><a id="CESelect" name="CESelect"></a>Select Topics for the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025</em></h4> </div> </div> <div class="usa-grid"> <ul class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default"> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-217"> Q: How is the Dietary Guidelines relevant for those living with diet-related chronic diseases? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-217" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> provides science-based recommendations on what Americans should eat and drink to promote health and prevent chronic disease – including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Of the 60 percent of adults in the United States who currently are living with one or more diet-related chronic conditions, the majority are people with a condition that is included in the evidence base of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>. For people living with hypertension, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, overweight and obesity, the evidence shows they would benefit from following the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> recommendations to prevent progression to disease, such as cardiovascular disease.</p> <p>Those living with a disease, such as the 11 percent of Americans with diabetes, require clinical treatment. We emphasize that these are diseases that need one-on-one oversight and care by a medical specialist and team focused on the specific disease. </p> <p>The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> is not intended to be clinical guidelines for treating diet-related chronic diseases. However, <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> has served as a reference for Federal, medical, voluntary, and patient care organizations as they develop clinical nutrition guidance tailored for people living with a specific medical condition. Health professionals can adapt the <em>Dietary Guidelines </em>to meet the specific needs of their patients with chronic diseases, as part of a multi-faceted treatment plan. In this way, the <em>Dietary Guidelines </em>serve as a foundational piece of America’s larger nutrition guidance landscape.</p> <p>To learn more, check out our infographic <a href="/sites/default/files/2020-12/Infographic_Eat_Healthy_Be_Healthy.pdf"><em>The Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> Can Help You Eat Healthy To Be Healthy</a>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3878"> Q: How is the Dietary Guidelines inclusive for all individuals, families, and communities? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3878" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: A healthy dietary pattern can benefit all individuals regardless of age, race or ethnicity, or current health status. The current edition (2020-2025) of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> provides food-based recommendations across the entire lifespan, providing guidance at varying calorie levels that can fit an individual’s age, sex, height, weight, and activity level. And people can “make it their own” by selecting healthy foods, beverages, meals, and snacks specific to their needs and preferences.</p> <p>The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> provides a framework for a healthy dietary pattern (featuring nutrient-dense foods and beverages within recommended calorie limits) that is intended to be customized to individual needs and preferences. This concept is emphasized in the second of the four overarching guidelines in the 2020-2025 edition – which describes how individuals can customize a healthy dietary pattern to enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.</p> <p>In every setting, across all cultures, and at any age or budget, there are foods and beverages that can fit within the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> framework.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3879"> Q: How well are Americans meeting the recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3879" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: Decades of research shows that consuming a healthy dietary pattern that aligns with the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> is associated with a wide range of health benefits, across all life stages. Unfortunately, most people in the U.S. are not eating according to the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>. <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/healthy-eating-index-hei" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Healthy Eating Index (HEI)</a> measures how well eating patterns align with the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>. The average HEI score is 59 out of a possible 100 points. <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="80806a73-89d0-4e20-904b-576a8f399265" href="/professional-resources">Professional Resources</a> available on dietaryguidelines.gov and USDA’s <a href="https://www.myplate.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyPlate</a> can help improve implementation of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>. </p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3880"> Q: Why is dairy considered a food group in the Dietary Guidelines, 2020-2025 when a large percentage of the population is lactose intolerant? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3880" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The science supporting the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> consistently identifies low-fat and fat-free dairy as a component of a healthy dietary pattern. In addition, the dairy food group provides nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and protein that help meet nutrient needs required across age and sex groups.</p> <p>For individuals who are <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/definition-facts" rel="noreferrer">lactose-intolerant</a> or who choose dairy alternatives, the dairy food group includes low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products, as well as fortified soy beverages and yogurt.</p> <p>There are other calcium-fortified plant-based “milks” on the market that can help an individual meet their calcium recommendations; however these products are not part of the dairy food group because, as a category, their overall nutritional content is not similar to dairy milk.</p> </div> </li> <li class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion-item paragraph--view-mode--default"> <button class="usa-accordion-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="uswds-paragraph-3881"> Q: Does the Dietary Guidelines promote a low-fat diet? </button> <div id="uswds-paragraph-3881" class="usa-accordion-content"> <p>A: The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> does not encourage a low-fat diet but rather it provides guidance to limit a type of fat called saturated fat to 10% of daily calories. The 2020-2025 edition encourages swapping saturated fat for healthier unsaturated fats:</p> <ul> <li><em>For those 2 years and older, intake of saturated fat should be limited to less than 10 percent of calories per day by replacing them with unsaturated fats, particularly polyunsaturated fats.</em></li> <li><em>The recommendation to limit saturated fat to less than 10 percent of calories per day does not apply to those younger than age 2, and the inclusion of higher fats versions of dairy is a notable difference in the pattern for toddlers ages 12 through 23 months compared to patterns for ages 2 and older.</em></li> </ul> <p class="Indent1"><em>(Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025)</em></p> <p>Decades of research shows that saturated fat is linked to increased cardiovascular disease, and this relationship was documented in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s latest review of the body of evidence.</p> <p>The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> carry forward the Dietary Reference Intakes established by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for different age and sex groups and recommends between 20-35% of daily calories come from total fat.</p> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="region region-post-content"> <div id="block-searchpanel" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentafdab8a6-bb82-4e7a-97aa-49f306b179c8"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--from-library paragraph--view-mode--default"> <section class="usda-search-panel"> <div class="usa-grid"> <header class="header"> I'm looking for </header> <div class="main"> <div class="query"> <label class="label" for="search-query">Search by keyword or phrase:</label> <div class="views-exposed-form usa-form usa-form-large block block-views block-views-exposed-filter-blocksearch-results-search-results" data-drupal-selector="views-exposed-form-search-results-search-results" 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