Updated US dietary guidelines could support soybean producers

The U.S. soybean industry has faced a number of challenges in recent months, but a shift in federal nutrition policy under the administration of Donald Trump could bring positive effects for farmers. The new dietary guidelines are already being described as the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in more than a decade.

The published recommendations effectively counter claims that have gained traction in recent years suggesting soybean oil is harmful to health. Previously, including in the 2025 Make America Healthy Again report, seed oils — including soybean oil — were linked to potential inflammatory effects, and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly claimed they contribute to obesity.

The revised guidelines challenge those assertions and refocus attention on scientific evidence. According to Kaleb Little, CEO of the Kansas Soybean Commission, the new federal stance aligns with research demonstrating the health benefits of soybean oil.

He emphasized that soybean oil is the only seed oil with an FDA-approved heart-health claim. In addition, it is rich in essential fatty acids, making it well suited for cooking and consistent with the new emphasis on “healthy fats” in the dietary guidelines.

Experts believe the policy shift could significantly benefit U.S. farmers, as soybeans are one of the country’s key crops and an important pillar of the agricultural economy. Renewed federal-level confidence in soybean oil could support demand and strengthen the position of one of the nation’s most important agricultural products.

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