The Nutrition Coalition to USDA-HHS: Study the Low-Carb Science

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December 7, 2022

The Honorable Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Agriculture 
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW 
Washington, DC 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Becerra:

I write to urge the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services (USDA-HHS) to add a question about the science of low-carbohydrate diets to the list of scientific questions to review for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

As we wrote in our previous letter to you (received by your office on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 5:13:56 PM.), the vast majority of submissions during the public comment period regarding these scientific questions called for a review of the science on low-carbohydrate diets. Agri-Pulse reported that some 700 of 916 comments, or 77% of the total, demanded that the USDA-HHS consider the science on low-carbohydrate diets. This topic had been omitted from a draft list of questions published by USDA-HHS in March. We respectfully ask that you respond to these public comments and not ignore this important topic in the next iteration of the guidelines.

The comments came from a mix of scientists, medical professionals and concerned citizens. Individuals wrote in their own words, often with personal stories; these were not “robo” comments. One group, the Society for Metabolic Health Practitioners, submitted a single comment that included 475 signatures, bringing the total individual commenters on this topic to nearly 1200.

The public outcry expressed by these commenters is supported by a growing scientific literature showing low-carbohydrate diets to be safe and effective for people with diet-related diseases. Given this public plea, backed by at least 100 clinical trials, we wanted to ensure that USDA-HHS respects this public contribution by agreeing to explore questions regarding the science of low-carbohydrate diets as part of the review process for the next edition of the U.S. guidelines.

At a time of soaring rates of diet-related diseases, which disproportionately affect historically marginalized people, we must use all the tools at our disposal to lower the social, personal and financial costs of these illnesses. The U.S. guidelines are arguably our most important tool to do so. As the public comments implore, we must remain open to exploring dietary options that could help the millions of Americans who suffer from one or more diet-related diseases.

Public comment periods reflect our shared commitment to the principles of openness and transparency in the democratic process. We believe it is our duty to honor both the process and the public, by recognizing and responding to their collective call for addressing the science on low-carbohydrate diets. By acknowledging their concerns with a thorough review of the science, we will demonstrate that the public’s voice does matter. 

Thank you in advance for your consideration for adding a question about the science of low-carbohydrate diets to the list of scientific questions for review in the next iteration of the dietary guidelines.

Sincerely,

John Bates
Executive Director
The Nutrition Coalition