January 7, 2026
The release of the revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans is an important milestone in federal nutrition policy and will shape health programs, consumer behavior and regulatory priorities for years to come.
The Natural Products Association welcomes the Guidelines’ emphasis on nutrient-dense diets and improved overall diet quality. However, as policymakers and health professionals consider how Americans can realistically meet these recommendations, it is critical to acknowledge a longstanding reality. Millions of Americans fail to obtain adequate intake of key vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients solely from food.
Dietary supplements play a vital and complementary role in closing these nutrient gaps, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, older adults, children and individuals with chronic health conditions. Supplements are not a substitute for healthy eating, but they are a proven, science-based tool that support public health objectives when dietary intake falls short.
. This includes recognizing the essentiality of specific nutrients, reflecting modern nutrition science on bioavailability and life-stage needs, and avoiding outdated assumptions that overlook how Americans actually consume nutrients in the real world.
We also urge alignment between the Dietary Guidelines and the regulatory framework governing dietary supplements, which already imposes rigorous requirements for safety, manufacturing quality, labeling and adverse event reporting. Clear, science-driven policy signals are essential to maintaining consumer confidence and encouraging continued innovation in nutritional products.
NPA stands ready to work with federal agencies, Congress and public health stakeholders to ensure that national nutrition policy fully reflects the role dietary supplements play in helping Americans achieve optimal health, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and support wellness across the lifespan.
