MRC Epidemiology Unit
Findings from a Cambridgeshire study published in the journal Public Health show that diet quality and physical activity levels fell substantially during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. The fall was greatest in those living in less affluent areas. If these behaviour changes persist, this could have a considerable impact on widening inequalities, with those […]
Unit joins collaboration developing better techniques to track people’s diets
Researchers will soon begin testing techniques, including wearable cameras and urine and blood tests, in an effort to more accurately measure the UK’s eating habits and improve public health. Scientists from the MRC Epidemiology Unit have joined the project led by Aberystwyth University, in conjunction with the University of Reading and Imperial College London, which […]
COVID-19 Study demonstrates potential for at home blood sample collection
The ability to collect a blood sample painlessly from people at home without the need of a healthcare worker visit could transform the way healthcare and health research are conducted. This has been demonstrated by new study results published on 10 May 2022 in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. Lockdown learning At the height […]
The role of NDNS in folic acid fortification
In September 2021, the UK government and devolved administrations announced the decision to introduce mandatory fortification of UK non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, the synthetic form of the vitamin folate (also known as vitamin B9). Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis and replication required for normal cell development and growth. The main dietary sources of […]
Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity in 2020: a follow up study during COVID-19
Today, 22 September, 2021, Public Health England (PHE) have published the report Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity in 2020: a follow up study during COVID-19. The study aimed to describe and assess the impact of the pandemic on the diet and physical activity of people in the UK by following up participants who had previously […]
Years 9 to 11 of National Diet and Nutrition Survey published
Today Public Health England (PHE) have published the latest report from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (NDNS RP), which covers years 9 to 11 (2016-2019). The NDNS RP is a continuous cross-sectional survey of the general population aged 1.5 years and over living in private households in the UK, that has […]
National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Assessment of salt intake from urinary sodium in adults (aged 19 to 64 years) in England, 2018/19
Public Health England (PHE) has today published the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Assessment of salt intake from urinary sodium in adults (aged 19 to 64 years) in England, 2018/19. Download the full report from the PHE website. This assessment was undertaken as part of the rolling UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) survey, and carried […]
NatCen and MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge to deliver the next four years of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey
The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the University of Cambridge have been awarded the contract to provide the next four years of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) Rolling Programme. This builds on the successful delivery of the first 10 years of the survey, undertaken by NatCen and the MRC Elsie Widdowson […]