New Dietary Guidelines Emphasize Seafood for Better Public Health
January 8, 2026 | 2 min to read
The newly-released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2025-2030, emphasize a return to the basics on eating real food including more seafood as part of a healthy eating pattern, reflecting robust scientific evidence about the significant health benefits of fish and shellfish. The new pyramid graphic shows salmon, shrimp, and canned fish.
According to the DGA, Americans should aim for at least two servings of seafood per week, and include more servings based on individual caloric requirements for protein listed on the DGA website https://realfood.gov/.
Additionally, according to the Scientific Foundation document of the DGA, Americans consume an average of about 110 mg per day of Omega-3s EPA and DHA, which is short of the recommended 500mg per day per prominent health organizations. It notes that for pregnant women, protein, choline, vitamin B12, and omega-3 DHA are vital for fetal brain development.
“Seafood is a powerhouse of nutrients that support brain, heart, and overall wellness,” said Linda Cornish, Founder and President of Seafood Nutrition Partnership. “Emphasizing seafood in our dietary guidance helps families and individuals make choices that contribute to long-term well-being.”
The guidelines reflect the latest nutritional science, including decades of research into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and lean protein from seafood. The inclusion of stronger seafood guidance addresses concerns that most Americans currently consume far less fish than recommended, thereby missing out on critical health benefits.
“We applaud the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 for developing seafood consumption recommendations for children starting at six months of age. Seafood is an important food in healthy dietary patterns for kids and adults throughout their lifespan,” added Dr. Tom Brenna, Chair of SNP’s Scientific Nutrition Advisory Council (SNAC) and advisor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Regular seafood consumption supports health across all life stages. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, nutrients like omega-3 DHA are vital for fetal neurodevelopment. For older adults, diets including seafood have been linked with better memory, slower cognitive decline, and lower risk of dementia.
About Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S. building awareness of the health and nutritional benefits of seafood. SNP addresses the country’s public health crisis through education programs that inspire Americans to incorporate more seafood and omega-3s into their diets for improved health per the USDA Dietary Guidelines. For more information or to support SNP, visit seafoodnutrition.org.