Diet is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).To assess the diet quality in adult Polish population taking into consideration consumption of various nutrients as well as the total diet quality.Within the frame of the National Multicenter 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). Nutrients intakes were compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes.Total diet quality was measured using HDI score, based on WHO recommendations for prevention of CVD, that includes 7 nutrients (saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, dietary fiber and free sugars) and ranges from 0 (the least healthy diet) to 7 (the healthiest diet) RESULTS: The group under study was characterized by a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (69% in men vs 59% in women), hypercholesterolemia (56% vs 55% respectively), hypertension (50% vs 42%) and diabetes (12 vs 10%). Simultaneously, a significant percentage of Poles had improper dietary habits. A low fat and low cholesterol diet was reported only by 8% of respondents and a low calorie diet by 1% of subjects. Adding salt to previously seasoned dishes was reported by 27% of men and 18% of women, and respectively, 56% and 30% of them consumed meat products with visible fat. It was found, that the diet of the most of adult Polish citizens was not balanced. The vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, protein, dietary cholesterol and fruits/vegetables were consumed in recommended doses only by 44-80% of respondents. Recommended intake of fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which significantly affect lipid levels, was shown in 18-37% of the respondents. Dietary intakes of folates and minerals important in 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 value of HDI was about 3,2 points (out of a maximum of 7). Healthy diet (5-7 points) was noted in 15% of adult Poles. The most, 60% of the subjects, were characterized by a low quality diet (0-3 points). Nevertheless, about 55% of respondents believed that their diet was correct.The quality of dietary habits of majority of adult Polish population falls far short of the recommendations relevant for to the prevention of CVD.