Physicians Committee advocates for plant-based focus in US 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has called on the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to adopt recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. During oral comments presented on January 16, PCRM urged the agencies to emphasize plant-based diets and water as the primary beverage in the upcoming 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Dietary Guidelines, a key federal document shaping food policy and providing dietary advice for Americans, is set to be released by the end of 2025. The Scientific Report, developed by nationally recognized nutrition and public health experts, provides evidence-based recommendations for HHS and USDA to consider in updating the guidelines.

“The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report has put important and appropriate emphasis on beans and other plant-based foods,” commented Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, president of PCRM. “Overwhelming evidence supports the role of these foods in supporting cardiovascular health, promoting a healthy body weight, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other serious conditions.”

Dr Barnard highlighted that beans and other plant-based foods offer protein without the cholesterol and saturated fat typically found in animal-based products. The Scientific Report recommends reorganizing the Protein Foods Group to prioritize plant proteins such as beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy products over animal-based proteins like meats, poultry, and eggs.

Additionally, the report proposes moving beans, peas, and lentils from the Vegetables Food Group to the Protein Foods Group to align with their role as key protein sources.

The Scientific Report also emphasizes plain drinking water as the primary beverage for optimal health. Dr Barnard supported this recommendation, noting that it “reflects actual human requirements” and helps reduce consumption of sugary beverages linked to obesity and other health issues.

PCRM’s testimony comes at a critical time, as the federal government prepares to transition administrations. The organization is urging the incoming USDA and HHS secretaries to prioritize public health by adopting the evidence-based recommendations in the Scientific Report.

“We urge the incoming secretaries of the US Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services to make improving public health in the United States a priority by following through on the Scientific Report’s evidence-based recommendations for prioritizing plant-based diets and encouraging water as the beverage of choice,” Dr Barnard said.

The Scientific Report highlights that shifting to a dietary pattern emphasizing plant-based proteins can help meet nutrient goals and improve health outcomes. Systematic reviews and food pattern modeling analyses support a reduction in red and processed meat consumption while increasing the intake of beans, lentils, and peas.

The report also points to significant public health benefits from emphasizing whole, plant-based foods, which have been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Public comments on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report are open until 10 February, allowing individuals and organizations to contribute feedback before the guidelines are finalized.

As the federal government considers these recommendations, the PCRM and other advocates hope to see plant-based nutrition and water take center stage in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines, shaping a healthier future for all Americans.