The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a statement today in response to the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, commending several science-based recommendations while expressing concerns about potential misinterpretations that could harm heart health.
The AHA welcomed the guidelines' emphasis on increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and limiting added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary drinks. These elements align with the AHA's longstanding dietary guidance and other public health authorities.
However, the AHA highlighted an important opportunity to educate consumers about the scientific basis for certain recommendations. Specifically, the AHA is concerned that recommendations regarding salt seasoning and red meat consumption could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease. While the guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy, the AHA encourages consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy products, which can be beneficial to heart health.
For decades, the AHA has issued science-based recommendations for healthy eating. The organization remains committed to working with the administration to reduce the burden of chronic disease, particularly for the next generation, and to help consumers make healthier choices. This includes promoting healthy dietary patterns that significantly reduce consumption of added sugars and sodium. Protein is an essential component of a healthy diet, and the AHA urges more scientific research on both the appropriate amount of protein consumption and the best protein sources for optimal health. Pending that research, the AHA encourages consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood, and lean meats, and to limit high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard, and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
The AHA also highlighted its ongoing advocacy efforts, including policies to reduce sugary drink consumption despite opposition from the soda industry. The organization is committed to working with the administration to develop an operational definition of ultraprocessed food, building upon the AHA's recent science advisory on ultraprocessed foods. The AHA is prepared to collaborate on initiatives to improve understanding of the critical role healthy food can play in preventing and managing chronic disease, including the AHA's Health Care by Food and Periodic Table of Food programs.
The AHA remains steadfastly committed to informing the public about healthy eating. As part of its usual process, the organization will issue updated guidance later this year, supporting the shared goal of providing a robust, science-first roadmap for a healthier America.
