NDNS National Diet and Nutrition Survey Programme Database UK – Intake and Exposure Datasets

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey programme is a continuous survey programme funded by Public Health England (PHE) and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) jointly fund the UK NDNS. The survey provides cross-sectional information about the dietary habits and nutritional status of the population of Great Britain. The survey uses an interview for socio-demographics of the respondent and household, medication, and eating and drinking habits; a weighed dietary record of all food and drink consumed over seven consecutive days; bowel movements for the seven days, and a record of physical activity over these seven days; physical measurements. Samples of blood and 24-hour urine are collected as well. 

The survey uses dietary and post-dietary interviews as well. First, a face-to-face interview was conducted using computer-assisted personal interviewing methods to collect information of  the respondent’s household, their usual dietary behaviour, consumption of artificial sweeteners, herbal teas and other drinks; any foods that are avoided and the reasons for doing so, including vegetarianism and dieting behaviours; the use of salt at the table and in cooking; and the use of fluoride preparations and dietary supplements. The respondent’s health status, smoking and drinking habits, use of the contraceptive pill, menopausal state and use of hormone replacement therapy for women are also recorded. At the end of the seventh day, a short interview is conducted. The survey participants are requested to keep a weighed record of every food and drink they consumed over seven consecutive days. Each participating individual was given a set of calibrated food scales and two food recording diaries. One of the diary is for ‘home record’ to for foods to be weighed and recorded eaten at home, and another ‘eating out’ diary for recording foods consumed outside of home. They were also given a pocket sized notebook for recording in unfamiliar circumstances.

Yearly, about 1000 individuals are enrolled in the NDNS rolling program. The program took off in 2008 and now is in its 11th year.