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Total diet studies represent a suitable tool for monitoring dietary intakes of nutrients, other food constituents and contaminants for large groups of population or at national level. In Italy, the Istituto Nazionale della Nutrizione (INN) carried out two studies using the market basket approach for the formulation and evaluation of the total diet. The studies were based on the data collected in the nation-wide food consumption surveys in 1980–1984 and 1994–1996, respectively. The approach and the results of the former are discussed in detail to render available all elements for comparison with the results from the latter. Some future methodological developments are indicated in order to plan further analyses and to improve this type of study.

In 1995, the second national Italian food consumption survey was completed by the National Institute of Nutrition. On the basis of this household survey the Italian total-diet was formulated following the Market Basket criteria. In this study preliminary data on the daily intake of some trace elements (Zn, Cu) and some minerals (Ca, Mg, Na and K) from the Italian total-diet are reported. Data on the contribution of the main food groups to the total daily intake are also reported. Daily intake was estimated by comparing the trace elements and minerals intakes with the Italian recommended dietary allowances.