How does Make America Healthy Again hold up against scientific scrutiny
6 hours ago
- The MAHA initiative, led by US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to overhaul US health policies on chronic disease, nutrition, and vaccines, with global ripple effects.
- The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines recommend increased intake of red meat and dairy, raising protein intake to 1.2–1.6 g/kg, but some scientists argue this lacks evidence from a 2025 systematic review.
- Ultra-processed foods are linked to higher risks of death and chronic diseases, but not all are equally harmful; some, like bread with preservatives, can be nutritious.
- Claims that seed oils cause inflammation are not supported by scientific research; omega-6 fatty acids may reduce cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
- Artificial food dyes have been linked to ADHD and cancer, but researchers note that ADHD causes are primarily genetic and developmental.