Every five years, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are updated based on the latest scientific evidence to help shape national nutrition recommendations. A panel of experts was assembled to review the existing research, evaluate new findings, and provide recommendations that will inform the next edition of the guidelines.
One of the committee members involved in this process is Professor Christopher Gardner, a leading nutrition scientist at Stanford University, who joins us to share key insights from the committee’s work.
In this discussion, Professor Gardner provides an inside look into how the committee evaluated dietary patterns, the role of plant-based proteins, and the ongoing debate surrounding ultra-processed foods. He explains the rigorous process of reviewing scientific literature, the challenges in translating research into policy, and the critical role of health equity in shaping the recommendations.
By exploring these themes, this episode aims to provide clarity on the scientific foundation behind the upcoming dietary guidelines. Whether you’re a nutrition professional, researcher, or someone interested in how dietary recommendations are formed, this conversation sheds light on the key discussions shaping the future of nutrition policy.
Timestamps
- [03:38] Interview begins
- [07:18] The rigorous process behind formulating dietary guidelines
- [12:10] Key questions addressed and major findings from the report
- [25:41] Identifying nutrients of concern and refining dietary patterns
- [33:39] The importance of health equity in dietary recommendations
- [36:04] Reassessing dairy’s role in different population groups
- [41:05] Shifting the focus towards plant-based protein sources
- [47:52] The debate on ultra-processed foods and public health implications
- [58:24] Key Ideas segment (Premium-only)
Related Resources
- Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course
- Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium
- Join the Sigma email newsletter for free
- Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
- Previous episode with Prof. Gardner: Episode 223
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.