WASHINGTON, June 24, 2024 — The Biden administration’s newly released dietary guidelines for Americans are already stirring up controversy, with a key recommendation to limit added sugars drawing particular scrutiny. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack presented the guidelines on June 24, framing them as a crucial step toward improving public health.
A Shift in Focus: What’s New This Time?
These updated guidelines aim to provide Americans with the latest science-based nutrition recommendations for promoting health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- The guidelines maintain the recommendation to limit added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories.
- For the first time, the guidelines include specific recommendations for infants and toddlers, emphasizing the introduction of nutrient-dense foods.
- There are no significant changes to the recommendations regarding red and processed meats.
- The updated guidelines continue to emphasize the importance of a varied and balanced diet.
The updated guidelines, which are updated every five years, serve as the foundation for federal nutrition programs, including school lunches and food assistance initiatives. This iteration, however, arrives amidst ongoing debate about the role of specific nutrients—like saturated fats—in a healthy diet.
The Sugar Debate Continues
The continued emphasis on limiting added sugars—to less than 10% of daily calories—has sparked debate among some nutrition experts. While most agree that excessive sugar consumption is detrimental to health, some argue that the focus on added sugars overlooks the importance of overall dietary patterns. The guidelines do not define “added sugars,” leaving room for interpretation.
“We’re trying to help Americans have a healthier eating pattern that’s sustainable for them,” Secretary Vilsack stated during the press briefing. “These guidelines are a tool to help people make those choices.”
Recommendations for the Youngest Americans
A notable addition to the 2025-2030 guidelines is specific guidance for infants and toddlers. The recommendations emphasize introducing nutrient-dense foods—like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—early in life and avoiding foods high in added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. This is a response to growing concerns about childhood obesity and the long-term health consequences of poor nutrition in early development.
What is the recommended daily intake of added sugars? The guidelines recommend that Americans limit their intake of added sugars to less than 10% of their total daily calories.
The updated guidelines also maintain the existing recommendations regarding saturated fats, advising Americans to limit their intake to less than 10% of daily calories. There were no significant changes to the recommendations concerning red and processed meats, a topic that has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years.
The release of these guidelines is likely to fuel further discussion about the best approaches to promoting healthy eating habits in the United States. The debate underscores the complexity of nutrition science and the challenges of translating scientific evidence into practical dietary advice.
