Background: Diet is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Aim: To assess diet quality in the adult Polish population, taking into consideration consumption of various nutrients as well as the total diet quality.

Methods: Within the frame of the National Multicentre Health Survey (WOBASZ II), a random sample of the whole Polish population aged 20 years and above was screened during the years 2013–2014. Dietary habits were assessed in 5690 subjects (2554 men and 3136 women). Nutrient intakes were compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes. Total diet quality was measured using the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) score, based on the World Health Organisation recommendations for CVD prevention, that includes 7 nutrients (saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, dietary fibre, fruits and vegetables, free sugars) and ranges from 0 (the least healthy diet) to 7 (the healthiest diet).

Results: The studied group was characterised by a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (69% in men vs. 59% in women), hypercholesterolaemia (56% vs. 55%, respectively), hypertension (50% vs. 42%), and diabetes (12% vs. 10%). At the same time, a significant percentage of Poles had improper dietary habits. A low fat and low cholesterol diet was reported by only 8% and a low calorie diet by 1% of the respondents. Adding salt to already seasoned dishes was reported by 27% of men and 18% of women, and 56% and 30% of them, respectively, consumed meat products with visible fat. The diet of most adult Polish citizens was found to be not balanced. Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, and B12, protein, dietary cholesterol and fruits/vegetables were consumed in recommended doses only by 44–80% of the respondents. The recommended intake of fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which significantly affect lipid levels, was found in 18–37% of the respondents. Dietary intakes of folate and minerals important for the prevention of hypertension were insufficient. The desired level of folate intake was found only in 13–26% of the respondents, and that of magnesium, calcium and potassium in 5–36% of them. The average HDI value was about 3.2 (out of the maximum of 7). A healthy diet (5–7 points) was noted in 15% of adult Poles. Most subjects (60%) were characterised by a low quality diet (0–3 points). Nevertheless, about 55% of respondents believed that their diet was appropriate.

Conclusions: The quality of dietary habits of the majority of the adult Polish population falls far short of the recommendations relevant for CVD prevention.