Making the dietary guidelines for Americans “for Americans”: The critical role of data analyses

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the critical role that data analyses played in the development of the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In abbreviation, the five overarching Guidelines of the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines are to follow a healthy eating pattern across the life span; focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount; limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake; shift to healthier food and beverage choices; and support healthy eating patterns for all. Key Recommendations provide further guidance. Four approaches were used to review the evidence: (1) original systematic reviews; (2) high-quality existing reports, comprised primarily of systematic reviews; (3) data analyses; and (4) food pattern modeling analyses. National databases and analyses by Federal agencies were critical to answer questions about chronic disease prevalence rates, food and nutrient intakes of the U.S. population, and nutrient content of foods. They were also essential to support food pattern modeling used to describe the types and amounts of foods to eat to help meet nutrient needs while taking into consideration current intakes and scientific research. Data analyses contributed substantially to development of the Dietary Guidelines and will continue to be essential in updating Federal nutrition policy.