Washington: The Trump administration’s newly released US Dietary Guidelines have been widely welcomed by medical associations, public health experts, farm groups and nutrition advocates, who praised the updated focus on whole foods and reduced consumption of ultra-processed products.

The guidelines place “real food” at the heart of federal nutrition policy, prioritising whole and minimally processed foods while recommending limits on added sugars, refined carbohydrates and highly processed products. Experts described the update as a major reset of US nutrition policy, aimed at combating chronic disease and promoting long-term health.

Major medical organisations said the revised guidance aligns with evidence-based practice. The American Medical Association (AMA) noted that the guidelines directly address diet-related illnesses. AMA President Bobby Mukkamala – the first Indian American to hold the position – said the update “spotlights highly processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and excess sodium that fuel heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic conditions,” adding that the guidance “affirms that food is medicine and provides clear direction for patients and physicians to improve health outcomes.”

The American Academy of Paediatrics also welcomed the new recommendations. President Andrew Racine highlighted the emphasis on child nutrition, noting that the guidance supports healthy eating patterns for children, with a focus on whole, minimally processed foods. The academy commended the inclusion of evidence-based policies on breastfeeding, introduction of solid foods, caffeine avoidance and limits on added sugars.

Cardiology experts echoed the sentiment. American College of Cardiology President Christopher Kramer praised the guidance for promoting consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, while limiting added sugars, saturated fats, sugary drinks and highly processed foods.

Public health and hospital organisations also endorsed the guidelines. The American Heart Association said the emphasis on vegetables, fruits and whole grains while reducing processed foods “aligns closely with longstanding dietary guidance.” American Hospital Association executive vice president Stacey Hughes said the guidelines “jump-start important conversations about what we eat” and reinforce the role of nutrition in disease prevention and long-term health.

Farmers and food producers welcomed the guidance as well. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall highlighted the recognition of “America’s farmers and ranchers who grow a safe and nutritious food supply,” praising the focus on high-quality protein, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables. Meat, poultry and dairy groups also endorsed the emphasis on protein and the affirmation of whole and full-fat dairy products in healthy diets.

Nutrition advocates hailed the focus on limiting ultra-processed foods. Environmental Working Group senior director Sarah Reinhardt said, “Ultra-processed foods high in refined grains and added sugars contribute significantly to chronic disease,” calling the updated guidance “an urgent public health priority.” Tufts University Food is Medicine Institute Director Dariush Mozaffarian described the recommendation to reduce highly processed food consumption as “a very positive move for public health.”

Speciality health and consumer groups welcomed elements of the guidance addressing infant feeding, early introduction of foods to reduce allergies, and moderation in alcohol consumption. Producers of fruits, vegetables, pulses and eggs also praised the continued emphasis on nutrient-dense, whole foods.

Political leaders aligned with the administration also lauded the update. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “Gone are the days when Americans’ health was an afterthought,” while Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt welcomed the prioritisation of meat and dairy at the top of the food pyramid.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are jointly issued by the US Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture and are updated every five years. They influence federal nutrition programmes, school meals, and public health messaging nationwide.

IANS