Dietary Guidelines 2020-25 Scientific Report Published

Among other items, today’s published Scientific Report from the Dietary Guidelines Committee from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) included sections on added sugars, low and no calorie sweeteners (LNCS) and fiber intake. As a basis for the guidelines to be published later in the year, the purpose of the scientific report is to summarize and review evidence and recommendations, which are then submitted to USDA and HHS.

Reducing Added Sugars

• Adverse Effects: Recent systematic reviews provide additional supporting evidence of the adverse effects of added sugars, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages. Reducing the amount of added sugars in the diet through consumer behavior changes, changes in how food is produced and sold, and shifts in food policies are achievable objectives that could improve population health.
• Reduction Goal: An individual’s dietary pattern of getting less than 6 percent of energy from added sugars is more consistent as nutritionally adequate while avoiding excess energy intake compared with less than 10 percent of energy from added sugars.

The Use of Low and No Calorie Sweeteners

• Helpful in Weight Management: Although there is limited evidence, low and no calorie sweetened beverages may be a useful aid in weight management in adults.
• Useful in Blood Glucose Management: Helpful for Americans suffering from diabetes, LNCS do not raise blood glucose or insulin levels, and when used to replace sugar, can help lower carbohydrate intake.

Increasing Fiber

• Nutrient of Concern: Fiber is a nutrient of public health concern,as most Americans are only getting about half the recommended daily amount of fiber.

About the Dietary Guidelines

Since 1980, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) has been at the core of Federal nutrition programs and valuable resource for health professionals nationwide. Providing food-based recommendations to promote health, help prevent diet-related chronic diseases, and meet nutrient needs, they are published jointly by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years.

The current edition — the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines — is the 8th edition until the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines is released which is planned to include more comprehensive guidance for infants and toddlers and for pregnant women, with plans to take a life stage approach. To learn more about the Dietary Guidelines and work under way, please go to DietaryGuidelines.gov, where you also can sign up for email updates.

How low calorie sweeteners can help you reduce added sugars