Summary
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is a continuous, government-commissioned surveillance programme monitoring the dietary habits and nutritional status of the UK population. Conducted jointly by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Public Health England (now UKHSA), it provides nationally representative data on food consumption and nutrient biomarkers across all age groups. The survey is a foundational evidence base for UK dietary policy, public health guidance, and food system planning.
UK applicability
This survey is conducted exclusively within the UK and constitutes one of the most authoritative sources of population-level dietary data available to UK policymakers, nutritionists, and researchers. Findings directly inform dietary reference values, public health interventions, and food labelling policy in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Key measures
Dietary intake (g/day and % dietary reference values); nutrient biomarker concentrations in blood and urine; food consumption frequency; energy intake (kcal/day); macronutrient and micronutrient intakes
Outcomes reported
The survey measured dietary intake, nutrient consumption levels, and nutritional status across age groups in the UK population, including blood and urine biomarker data. It reported on adherence to dietary recommendations and identified nutritional shortfalls and excesses.
Topic tags
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