The American Heart Association has issued a statement responding to the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The organization welcomed the new guidelines and commended the inclusion of several science-based recommendations that align with its longstanding dietary guidance. These include an emphasis on increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting consumption of added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary drinks.
The Association noted an important opportunity to educate consumers about the scientific basis for certain recommendations. It expressed concern that guidelines regarding salt seasoning and red meat consumption could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease. While the new guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy, the Heart Association encourages consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy products for heart health benefits.
For decades, the Heart Association has issued science-based recommendations for healthy eating. The organization remains committed to working with the administration to reduce the burden of chronic disease, particularly for the next generation, and to help consumers make healthier choices. This includes promoting dietary patterns that significantly reduce consumption of added sugars and sodium. The Association urges more scientific research on both the appropriate amount of protein consumption and the best protein sources for optimal health. Pending that research, it encourages consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood, and lean meats while limiting high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard, and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
The American Heart Association will continue its advocacy work, including policies to reduce sugary drink consumption despite opposition from the soda industry. The organization is committed to working with the administration to inform the development of an operational definition of ultraprocessed food, building upon the Association's recent science advisory on ultraprocessed foods. It is prepared to collaborate on initiatives to improve understanding of the role healthy food can play in preventing and managing chronic disease, including the Association's Health Care by Food and Periodic Table of Food programs.
The Association remains steadfastly committed to informing the public about healthy eating and will issue updated guidance later this year as part of its usual process. This effort supports the shared goal of providing a robust, science-first roadmap for a healthier America. The organization's response references several key resources, including its Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health scientific statement and the ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.
