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 Food Standards Agency commissioned this rolling programme of surveys to track and respond more quickly to trends. A consortium led by NatCen is running the survey from 2008 to 2012.
Latest results available
Results from 2008/9 have now been published and are available from the Food Standards Agency's website.
The study will interview around 1,600 people a year. Adults and children aged 18 months and above are being recruited from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The main aims of the NDNS survey are:
Policy policy impact
NDNS data are critical to underpinning the Food Standards Agency's work to protect consumer safety and promote healthy diets. Examples include salt and saturated fat intake reduction work and folic acid fortification.
The study will be used to monitor 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,
- basic measurements including height, weight and blood pressure, and
- urine and blood samples.