What is already known about this topic Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are widespread toxic heavy metal pollutants in the environment. Dietary intakes of Pb and Cd have been a major concern in the world. What is added by this report? The average dietary exposure to Pb and Cd among Chinese adult males from the Sixth China Total Diet Study (TDS) were within acceptable levels, except for a potential health risk of Cd exposure among adult men in Hunan Province. What are the implications for public health practice? It is necessary to continuously monitor the levels of Pb and Cd in foods. More attention should be paid to dietary Cd exposure in Hunan Province.

Nutrient elements are essential for human health. The intake of nutrient elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Mo, and Cr) in the general Chinese population was comprehensively evaluated via a recent total diet study (2016–2019), covering more than two-thirds of the total population. The contents of nutrient elements in 288 composite dietary samples were determined by ICP-MS. The dietary sources, regional distribution, the relationship with the earth’s crust, dietary intake, and health effects were discussed. Plant foods were the main source of both macro-elements and trace elements, accounting for 68–96% of total intake. Trace elements in food were compatible with their abundance in the earth’s crust. Na intake reduced by 1/4 over the last decade but was still high. The average intake of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Se did not reach the health guidance values, while the average intake of K, P, Mn, Fe, Cu, Mo, and Cr fell within a reasonable range. No element exceeded the UL. However, an imbalance was identified in the dietary Na/K ratio and Ca/P ratio. This paper provides a most recent and national-representative assessment of nutrient element intake, indicating the significance of salt reduction and dietary structure optimization for the population.