Draft Scientific Report for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

 Overview:

• A scientific report providing evidence-based guidance for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been submitted to federal agencies.
• The REPORT emphasizes plant-based diets and is now open for public comment until February 10, 2025, with an oral comment meeting scheduled for January 16, 2025.

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Key Recommendations:

• A healthy dietary pattern includes:
  • Higher intake of:
    • Vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans, peas, lentils), nuts, whole grains, fish/seafood, and vegetable oils high in unsaturated fats.
  • Lower intake of:
    • Red/processed meats, sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, refined grains, and saturated fats.
• Specific Guidelines:
  • Limit saturated fat to <10% of daily calories, replacing it with polyunsaturated fats.
  • Reduce starchy vegetables (e.g., potatoes) and increase legumes.
  • Encourage plain water as the primary beverage, limiting sugar-sweetened drinks.
  • Reorganize the protein foods group to prioritize:
    1. Beans, peas, lentils.
    2. Nuts, seeds, soy products.
    3. Seafood.
    4. Meats, poultry, eggs.

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Controversies:

• Plant-Based Focus: Recommendations to reduce meat, poultry, and eggs have drawn criticism, particularly from the food industry.
• Protein Group Changes: Moving legumes to the protein group and prioritizing plant-based proteins over animal-based sources sparked debate.
• Ultra-Processed Foods: While interest in the health effects of ultra-processed foods is growing, the report does not yet provide specific recommendations.

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Call to Action for Clinicians:

• Comment on the Report: Engage in the public comment process to influence final guidelines.
• Use the finalized guidelines to address diet-related illnesses with patients and promote personalized nutrition strategies.
• Support the focus on plant-based proteins, hydration via water, and culturally diverse dietary options.

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Next Steps:

• Federal agencies will use the report, public feedback, and agency input to develop the final 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• Clinicians will play a key role in implementing these guidelines to improve public health outcomes.

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Key Takeaways:

1. The report highlights a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern, focusing on plant-based foods and reducing red meat and saturated fats.
2. Legumes are now emphasized as a primary protein source rather than starchy vegetables.
3. Plain water is recommended as the main beverage; sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited.
4. Clinicians are encouraged to participate in the public comment process and use the guidelines to address diet-related diseases.
5. While ultra-processed foods are recognized as a concern, concrete recommendations are still lacking.