FDA Commissioner on New Nutrition Guidelines, Flu Surge

Summary

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discussed the Trump administration's new US dietary guidelines, which emphasize more protein, healthy fats, and less ultra-processed food and added sugar. He said the protein recommendation was raised 50-100%, explained the rationale around muscle mass and chronic disease, and noted the FDA is working on a formal definition for ultra-processed foods. Makary also addressed a severe flu season, a poor vaccine match, reported Tamiflu shortages, and the FDA's interest in a universal flu shot. No specific investment or trading recommendations were made.

• New US dietary guidelines increase protein recommendations by 50-100% and put more emphasis on healthy fats.
• Guidelines call for reducing ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugar.
• The FDA is developing a formal definition of ultra-processed foods for education and possible front-of-package labeling.
• Makary says 40% of US children have a chronic disease and 60-70% of kids' calories are ultra-processed.
• US flu incidence is at its highest level in about 25 years, with reports of Tamiflu and prescription flu shot shortages.
• The current flu shot is not a great match because influenza mutates rapidly.
• The FDA wants a safe and effective universal flu shot that targets conserved or multiple parts of the virus.
• Makary denies staffing cuts affected scientific review and says the FDA met user fee targets and had record CBER approvals.