An understanding of the determinants of nutritional intake may be helpful in the early detection and prevention of malnutrition. A vast amount of literature exists on factors influencing daily energy or food intake. Although far less is known about population and subject characteristics influencing the macronutrient composition of the diet, associations appear to exist with cultural factors, snacking and disease. The literature does not provide sufficient evidence in support of relationships with other factors such as living situation, dentition, disability, depression and drug use, partly because information on determinants of macronutrient intake is scarce.