The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture have released new Dietary Guidelines for Americans intended to guide federal nutrition policy for the next five years.

Specifically, the new guidelines include several evidence-based recommendations that emphasize a focus on whole vegetables and fruits throughout the day; incorporation of healthy fats from whole foods like meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados; inclusion of whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates; limitations on alcohol and highly processed foods, added sugars and artificial additives; and drinking water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration.

According to ACC President Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC: “The ACC welcomes the science-based recommendations and also looks forward to providing additional evidence-based feedback regarding the impacts of high protein and high fat dairy products on heart health and opportunities for further research when updates to our 2019 Prevention Guideline are released later this year.”

The guidelines also encourage individuals to eat the right amount of food, based on age, sex, size and activity level. Tailored recommendations are also provided for infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and vegetarians and vegans, ensuring nutritional adequacy across every stage of life. Specifically, individuals with chronic disease are encouraged to talk with their health care professionals on how to adapt the guidance to meet their specific needs.

“The ACC acknowledges and appreciates the release of new federal nutrition guidance and remains committed to helping clinicians and patients use it to support heart health,” said Kramer. “We are closely reviewing the recommendations and encourage clinicians to discuss practical, culturally appropriate healthy eating options with their patients. Even the healthiest among us can benefit from heart healthy eating patterns. Adopting a healthy diet is especially helpful for people at risk for – or who already have – heart disease or related risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.”

“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods – protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains – and dramatically reduce highly processed foods.”

Clinical Topics: Prevention

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Secondary Prevention