The Chief Scientist reports... The diets of Scottish men and women in relation to nutritional recommendations for health.

Diets of middle-aged Scottish men and women were assessed by food frequency questionnaire as part of the Scottish Heart Health Study (a cross-sectional study of risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in 22 regions). The data have allowed evaluation of the diets of different (high CHD risk) sub-groups with respect to nutrient composition and major nutrient sources. This paper summarises the key nutrient source findings by non-manual and manual occupational groups; discusses the Scottish diet in relation to recent recommendations for healthy eating and recommended daily allowances for antioxidant vitamins; and considers ways of achieving dietary change.