Health Secretary Announces New Dietary Guidelines to Improve National Health
• Updated
In a bold overhaul of the traditional food pyramid, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. introduced the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) 2025–2030. Unveiled during a press briefing on Wednesday, the updated recommendations prioritize protein and nutrient-dense foods while cutting back on sugar and ultra-processed foods.
"The new guidelines recognize that whole, nutrient-dense food is the most effective path to better health and lower health care costs", Kennedy stated. "The new framework centers on protein and healthy fats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. It’s upside down, a lot of people say. It was actually upside down before."
A Dramatic Shift in the Food Pyramid
The newly reconstructed food pyramid flips the traditional model, placing red meat, cheese, fruits, and vegetables at the top, while relegating grains - once a foundational component - to the bottom. This represents a significant departure from previous versions, which focused more heavily on starchy foods and carbohydrates.
One of the most notable changes is the emphasis on protein, with the DGA recommending 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This marks a sharp increase from the prior recommendation of 0.8 grams. The move aligns with current trends favoring high-protein diets, which have seen growing popularity in the food market.
"School lunches, for example, have always been heavy on starch from commoditized foods, and often highly processed starches", said sports nutritionist Susan Kleiner, PhD. "A higher protein goal could push out the ultra-processed starches more easily than trying to substitute a less processed in place of a more processed food."
Gut Health Takes Center Stage
The updated guidelines also highlight gut health as a key component of overall wellness. The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome and identifies foods such as vegetables, fruits, fermented options like kimchi and kefir, and high-fiber diets as beneficial for gut health.
"Your gut contains trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms called the microbiome", the guidelines explain. "A healthy diet supports a well-balanced microbiome and healthy digestion. Highly processed foods can disrupt this balance, while vegetables, fruits, fermented foods, and high-fiber foods support a diverse microbiome, which may be beneficial for health."
George Paraskevakos, executive director of the International Probiotics Association (IPA), welcomed the increased recognition of the microbiome’s role in health. "IPA commends the development of the Guidelines and looks forward to integration of the latest probiotic and prebiotic science into American dietary guidance", he said.
Addressing Nutritional Gaps and Supplementation
The report identifies several nutrient gaps in the American diet and recognizes dietary supplements as a valuable tool to address these deficiencies. Specific recommendations are made for certain life stages and populations, such as iron for pregnant women and adolescents and healthy fats and protein for men.
Steve Mister, President and CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, praised the inclusion of supplements as part of the guidelines. "By appropriately recognizing dietary supplements as a way to help fill nutrient gaps, the agencies have taken an important step toward improving public health", he said. Meanwhile, the Natural Products Association emphasized that while supplements are not a replacement for healthy eating, they are a "proven, science-based tool" that can help close nutrition gaps.
However, some experts expressed concerns about the lack of focus on fiber, noting that nearly 94% of Americans fail to meet daily fiber recommendations. "Less encouraging is that ‘fiber’ is mentioned only twice in the report, while ‘protein’ is mentioned 17 times", explained Hannah Ackermann, RD, vice president of marketing and nutrition affairs at COMET. Ackermann also noted the absence of discussion around rising rates of colon cancer, a growing public health concern.
Controversy Over Saturated Fats
Despite the focus on whole foods, the guidelines have drawn some criticism for their emphasis on saturated fats, including butter, whole milk dairy, and beef tallow. "According to scientific evidence, high intakes of dietary saturated fats lead to elevated LDL levels, increasing heart disease risk", said Kleiner. "While beef tallow may be a social media/TikTok darling by RFK Jr. for both food and skincare, it’s hardly a kitchen staple in American homes."
Implications for Federal Programs and Public Health
These guidelines will have far-reaching implications for federal food programs, including the National School Lunch Program, which provides meals to about 30 million U.S. children daily. They also influence nutrition labels, public health initiatives, and food served in schools, hospitals, and low-income communities.
"While the prevalence of obesity and prediabetes is mentioned in the report, I want to stress that the guidelines impact not only nutrition facts panel labels, but also serve as the foundation for federal food policies", said Ackermann. "They shape what food is served to the most vulnerable populations in our country."
Overall, the new Dietary Guidelines present a significant shift in U.S. nutritional recommendations, emphasizing whole foods, protein, and gut health while de-emphasizing sugar, ultra-processed foods, and grains. The changes have been widely acknowledged as a step forward, though they leave room for further discussion on issues such as fiber intake and saturated fat. As Americans adapt to the new framework, experts believe it could lay the groundwork for a healthier future.
