The 2025-2030 Report on Dietary Guidelines Released by the Advisory Committee
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s scientific report is now accessible. Its content consists of the committee’s independent, research-based conclusions and recommendations given to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This report, combined with feedback from the public and federal agencies, will aid these departments in creating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, set to be published in late 2025. These guidelines stand as the leading source of data for federal nutritional practices and policies.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra stated that the Dietary Guidelines act as the basis for nationwide nutritional programs, standards, and education. They equip health professionals with the necessary tools and resources to guide the public towards overall healthier dietary choices. Becerra added that this report will ensure that the ensuing edition of the Dietary Guidelines relies on updated scientific facts and medical expertise, considering factors like socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture.
The committee’s latest report distinctively emphasizes health equity factors like socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture. The committee extended their evidence review to include strategies for promoting healthier dietary habits throughout a lifetime.
A 60-day public comment period will be opened by HHS and USDA. They are urging the public to share written comments concerning the report and will host an open meeting, requiring pre-registration, on January 16 to welcome verbal public comments.
The 400-plus page report emphasizes that healthier eating habits can prevent or alleviate conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers by increasing consumption of certain foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish/seafood, and oils rich in unsaturated fats. It further advises limiting intake of red and processed meat, added sugar, refined grains, and saturated fat.
Even with the existing Dietary Guidelines, the report states that many Americans continually fall short, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies. The average Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score for the total population aged two and older is 56 out of 100, while toddlers score a mean of 63.
Where past Dietary Guidelines included advice on dietary supplements, the current report omits it, to the disappointment of supplement industry trade associations like the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).
CRN expressed concern over inadequate intake of vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber among many Americans, which may lead to adverse health effects. They added that expectant women and other special groups are at risk due to a lack of crucial nutrients for fetal development such as choline, iron, folate, and iodine.
CRN underscored the importance of including dietary supplements in the nutrition guidelines. “Including dietary supplements in the guidelines is not only practical but critical to promoting public health,” said Steve Mister, CRN’s president and CEO, expressing concern over the ongoing nutritional deficits of Americans.
CRN stressed that dietary advice should encompass recommendations on supplements for different age groups and life stages. They suggested the usage of prenatal multivitamin/multiminerals as an effective tool to counter nutrient deficiencies in pregnant people, often advised by healthcare providers.
“All available options, including dietary supplements, should be considered for providing practical recommendations that promote healthier outcomes for all Americans,” were the closing remarks by CRN.