How often are the US dietary guidelines updated?

The US dietary guidelines are updated every five years. This regular update cycle is established to ensure that the recommendations reflect the most current scientific evidence concerning nutrition and health. The USDA and HHS review the latest research and adjust the guidelines to address emerging dietary issues, trends, and the nutritional needs of the population. This five-year interval allows for timely revisions that can help inform public health policies, nutritional programs, and educational efforts.

In contrast, annual updates would not be feasible due to the extensive research and analysis required to formulate such guidelines effectively, while ten-year updates could lead to prolonged periods during which outdated recommendations might persist. The notion that they are never updated is incorrect, as these guidelines serve an essential role in public health and nutrition policy and require reevaluation to remain relevant and scientifically sound.