How often are the Dietary Guidelines updated?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years. This systematic update allows for the incorporation of the latest scientific research regarding nutrition and health. By following a five-year schedule, the guidelines can reflect current dietary recommendations that help improve the health of the population based on evolving scientific evidence and public health needs. Regular updates are necessary to adapt to new findings in nutrition and to address emerging health concerns.

The choice reflecting a timeframe shorter or longer than five years does not accurately capture the established protocol for updating these important guidelines. A timeline of three years might not allow sufficient time for comprehensive research to accumulate, while a seven or ten-year gap may delay essential updates needed to inform the public and health professionals about current best practices in nutrition. The five-year interval strikes a balance between timely updates and thorough analysis.