Purpose
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) every 5 years. Each edition of the Dietary Guidelines reflects the body of nutrition science.
The Dietary Guidelines provides evidence-based food and beverage recommendations for Americans ages 2 and older. These recommendations aim to:
- Promote health
- Prevent chronic disease
- Help people reach and maintain a healthy weight
Public health agencies, health care providers, and educational institutions all rely on Dietary Guidelines recommendations and strategies.
The Dietary Guidelines also has a significant impact on nutrition in the United States because it:
- Forms the basis of federal nutrition policy and programs
- Helps guide local, state, and national health promotion and disease prevention initiatives
- Informs various organizations and industries (e.g., products developed and marketed by the food and beverage industry)
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