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National Diet and Nutrition Survey

A rolling snapshot of the diet and nutrition status of the UK population

About this study

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey aims to provide a snapshot of the diet and nutrition status of the UK population.

The NDNS rolling programme of surveys is jointly funded by the Department of Health in England and the UK Food Standards Agency. It was commissioned to track and respond more quickly to trends. A consortium led by NatCen has been running the rolling programme since its launch in 2007.

The main aims of the NDNS survey are:

to provide annual data about the nation's dietary intake and nutritional status,

to estimate the proportion of individuals with compromised nutritional status, and

to estimate the proportions attaining recommended intakes.

The study interviews around 1,600 people a year. Adults and children aged 18 months and above are recruited from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Information, Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) is our research partner in Northern Ireland.

Latest results available

The key findings from Years 1, 2 and 3 (2008/09 - 2010/11) combined have now been published and are available here. A summary is provided here.

Previous results from Year 1 only 2008/9 and Years 1 and 2 combined 2009/10 are available from the Department of Health's website.

A report on the salt intake of adults aged between 19-64 years old in England has been published on the Department of Health's website and is available here. This is based on data collected between July and December 2011.

Potential policy impact

NDNS results are used by the Government to develop policy and monitor progress on diet and nutrition objectives of UK Health Departments, for example those set out in the Healthy Lives Healthy People White Paper in England. NDNS data are critical to underpinning the Government's work to protect consumer safety and promote healthy diets. Examples include salt and saturated fat intake reduction work. The study also monitors progress towards Government targets on healthy eating.

Our methods

The main components of the study are:

• general questions about eating habits, health, and lifestyle,
• a food and drink diary,
• a physical activity questionnaire,
• physical measurements including height, weight and blood pressure, and
• urine and blood samples.

You can view a list of the laboratries who processed the survey's blood samples here.

Contact

Beverley Bates

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