What is the primary goal of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines?

The primary goal of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines is to provide health promotion recommendations. These guidelines are designed to promote overall health and prevent chronic diseases by informing the public about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating patterns. They aim to improve the nutritional status of Americans by encouraging a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, ensuring people have the information they need to make healthier choices.

While discouraging unhealthy foods and creating age-specific meal plans are aspects that may draw attention from the guidelines, they serve as supportive elements within the broader context of health promotion. The guidelines do not focus on directly regulating dietary supplements, as that task falls under the jurisdiction of different organizations and legal frameworks. The emphasis on health promotion is essential for guiding citizens towards a healthier lifestyle and reducing the risk of diet-related illnesses.