The US dietary guidelines introduced this month feature an upside-down pyramid prioritising protein, dairy and healthy fats along with vegetables and fruits. It also recommends the intake of refined carbohydrates such as white bread, ready-to-eat or packaged breakfast options, flour tortillas and crackers. However, he said one must consider that dietary guidelines were developed based on specific cultural, food system and lifestyle contexts. Reiterating that international dietary models could offer useful scientific insights, he advised Malaysians to continue relying on the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines and suku-suku separuh concept. Dietitian Ng Kar Foo upheld the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, saying it was developed primarily using Malaysian data and not outdated.

Source: The Star January 19, 2026 02:14 UTC