US evidence‐based dietary guidelines: The history and the process

Abstract

AbstractSince 1980, the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture have published the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) for the purpose of promoting the health of the American public. Based on the scientific findings from a select group of scientists known as the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), as well as public input, the DGA are the cornerstone of federal food and nutrition policy and education in the United States. The DGAC is formed and their work is governed by a transparent, consistent, systematic process. Topic formation influences expertise solicited for the DGAC, and the DGAC expertise and perspectives influence the interpretation of the best available evidence. The evidence considered by the DGAC can be submitted by the public, but must be published in peer‐reviewed journals, and is systematically reviewed for quality before inclusion in the Nutrition Evidence Library. The DGAC report informs the formation of the DGA, which is the US nutrition policy document. The 2010 DGA influence remains apparent through high‐profile initiatives such as ‘Let's Move!’ and ‘MyPlate’. The effects of the DGA are pervasive in American life, even if not well recognised, through both federal and non‐profit food and nutrition programmes, as well as a broad range of nutrition education initiatives.