The foods and beverages that people consume have
a profound impact on their health. The scientific
connection between food and health has been well
documented for many decades, with substantial and
increasingly robust evidence showing that a healthy
lifestyle—including following a healthy dietary pattern—
can help people achieve and maintain good health
and reduce the risk of chronic diseases throughout
all stages of the lifespan: infancy and toddlerhood,
childhood and adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and
lactation, and older adulthood. The core elements of
a healthy dietary pattern are remarkably consistent
across the lifespan and across health outcomes.
Since the first edition was published in 1980, the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans have provided science-based
advice on what to eat and drink to promote health,
reduce risk of chronic disease, and meet nutrient needs.
Publication of the Dietary Guidelines is required under
the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act, which states that at least every 5 years,
the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and of
Health and Human Services (HHS) must jointly publish
a report containing nutritional and dietary information
and guidelines for the general public. The statute
(Public Law 101-445, 7 United States Code 5341 et
seq.) requires that the Dietary Guidelines be based on
the preponderance of current scientific and medical
knowledge. The 2020-2025 edition of the Dietary
Guidelines builds from the 2015 edition, with revisions
grounded in the Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary
Guidelines Advisory Committee and consideration of
Federal agency and public comments.