As part of the Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System, cardiovascular risk factors and food consumption (24 h recall) as well as haematological, Fe and vitamin status (A, B 6 , C) were assessed in 126 Dutch boys aged 10–11 years (response 71 %). Body mass index (BMI) and the sum of four skinfolds were strongly associated ( r 0.85, P < 0.01) and 8% of the boys were overweight (BMI > 20.1 kg/m 2 ). Elevated serum total cholesterol levels (> 4.4 mmol/l) were observed in 38 %; total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were strongly associated ( r 0.88, P < 0.001). Intake of fat was high (38 % of energy) and too much fat was saturated (polyunsaturated: saturated 0.44, guideline: 0.5–1.0), whereas intake of carbohydrate (49% of energy) and dietary fibre was low. About 12% of the boys had insufficient Fe stores (plasma ferritin < 12.0 μg/l) and the mean Fe intake (9.0 mg/d) was below recommended daily allowance (10.0 mg/d). Plasma ferritin was, however, not associated with haematological indices and no frank anaemias were observed. No marginal values were observed for vitamins A, B 6 and C status. In conclusion, the main nutritional risks in boys aged 10–11 years are cardiovascular risk factors and Fe nutrition.