The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a statement today in response to the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, welcoming the guidelines' emphasis on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while urging careful communication on salt and red meat recommendations. The AHA expressed concern that guidance on salt seasoning and red meat consumption might lead consumers to exceed limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are key drivers of cardiovascular disease.
The new guidelines, released by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, align with the AHA's longstanding dietary recommendations, including limiting added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary drinks. However, the AHA noted that the guidelines' inclusion of whole-fat dairy could be misinterpreted, advocating instead for low-fat and fat-free dairy products to support heart health.
The AHA emphasized the need for more research on protein consumption and sources, urging consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood, and lean meats while limiting high-fat animal products such as red meat, butter, lard, and tallow. The association also called for an operational definition of ultraprocessed foods, building on its recent science advisory on ultraprocessed foods.
The AHA reaffirmed its commitment to working with the administration to reduce chronic disease, particularly through initiatives like Health Care by Food and the Periodic Table of Food programs. The association also plans to issue updated dietary guidance later this year, providing a science-based roadmap for healthier eating.
