National Diet and Nutrition Survey, Years 9–11

Summary

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) Years 9–11 provides nationally representative data on the dietary habits and nutritional status of the UK population, covering the period 2016–2019. The report documents persistent shortfalls in key micronutrients — notably vitamin D, iron, magnesium and folate — across multiple age and sex groups, alongside continued excess intakes of free sugars and saturated fat. As a rolling programme report, it serves as a primary baseline reference for UK public health nutrition policy and dietary surveillance.

UK applicability

This report is entirely UK-specific, drawing on a nationally representative sample of the English population; its findings directly inform UK dietary guidelines, food fortification policy and public health nutrition interventions, and provide a relevant evidence base for assessing where food system improvements — including nutrient density of produce — could address documented shortfalls.

Key measures

Dietary intake (g/day and % reference nutrient intake) for energy, macronutrients and micronutrients (including iron, calcium, vitamin D, folate, magnesium, zinc, iodine); blood and urine biomarker concentrations; food group consumption frequencies; proportion of population below Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI)

Outcomes reported

The survey measured dietary intake, nutrient status and food consumption patterns across age groups in the UK population, reporting prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy and dietary habits against reference values.

Topic tags