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Recommendations of the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Author(s) -
Casavale Kellie O.,
Stoody Eve Essery,
Rihane Colette,
Olson Richard
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.lb423
Subject(s) - saturated fat , refined grains , calorie , whole grains , food science , healthy eating , environmental health , red meat , nutrient density , dairy foods , medicine , nutrient , physical activity , biology , cholesterol , ecology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , endocrinology
Objective The US Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released the 8th edition (2015–2020) of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) in January 2016. Methods The DGA is required under the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 and informs the development of federal food, nutrition, and health policies and programs. Results The 2015–2020 DGA focuses on shifts in eating patterns to align current dietary intake with recommendations and highlight multiple strategies across all segments of society to promote healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. In abbreviation, the 5 overarching Guidelines are to follow a healthy eating pattern across the life span; focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount; limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake; shift to healthier food and beverage choices; and support healthy eating patterns for all. Key Recommendations provide further guidance on how individuals can follow the five Guidelines and state that a healthy eating pattern accounts for all foods and beverages within an appropriate calorie level and includes a variety of vegetables from all of the subgroups (dark green, red and orange, legumes/beans and peas, starchy, and other); fruits (especially whole fruits); grains (at least half of which are whole grains); fat‐free or low‐fat dairy (including milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soy beverages); a variety of protein foods (including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes/beans and peas, and nuts, seeds, and soy products); and oils. A healthy eating pattern also limits saturated fats and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Key Recommendations that are quantitative are provided for several components of the diet of particular public health concern that should be limited: consume less than 10% of calories per day from added sugars; consume less than 10% of calories per day from saturated fats; consume less than 2,300mg/d of sodium; and if alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation(up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men and only by adults of legal drinking age). The DGA also recommends to meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Conclusion Everyone has a role in supporting healthy eating patterns. Concerted efforts among health care professionals, communities, businesses and industries, organizations, governments, and other segments of society are important to support individuals and families in making dietary and physical activity choices that align with the DGA. Health care professionals can help individuals identify how they can modify and improve their dietary patterns. Educational materials for both professionals and consumers will be available in 2016. Support or Funding Information None