National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a series of cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. The NHANES uniquely combines in-person interviews with physical examinations and is the authoritative source of objective information on the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. In 2002, the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) of the Department of Agriculture was incorporated into the NHANES. The integrated dietary component is now called What We Eat in America.

Findings from the survey provide estimates of important health conditions and risk factors in the U.S. children and adults, such as blood-lead levels, obesity, oral health, sexually transmitted diseases, and smoking. Survey data are also used to assess rates of previously undiagnosed ...