To evaluate whether dietary counselling given to dialysis patients at initiation of dialysis therapy ensures adequate intakes of nutrients, a study of the diets of patients in regular dialysis therapy was carried out. Thirty-three patients in regular dialysis (21 patients in hemodialysis--HD, 12 patients in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis--CAPD) made a seven day food-registration (one three day record and one four day record covering all weekdays). The intake of main nutrients was calculated. Low intake of energy and of protein of both groups of patients was the most obvious and important finding. In light of the well-known high frequency of protein-energy malnutrition in patients on regular dialysis, it is concluded that new dietetic approaches to dialysis patients are needed.