The aim of the study was to establish the intake level of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake in the average Polish diet. The intake of fatty acids n-3 and n-6 in an average Polish diet was estimated using data gathered by the Central Statistical Office in 1998 using food composition tables. The consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids n-6 constituted 5.21% of the total energy in the diet (13.10 g/day), while n-3 only 0.95% of energy (2.40 g/day). The intake of PUFA n-3 alpha-linolenic acid was 0.9% of energy and was close to recommended levels (1%), but the intake of long-chain forms PUFA n-3 DHA and EPA amounted to 0.04% of energy and was much too low (recommended 0.3%). The intake of PUFA n-6 linoleic acid equalled 5% of energy and was much higher than the recommended upper limit (3% of energy). The results indicate that it is necessary to increase the intake of long chain PUFA n-3 by greater consumption of fish and fish products or EPA and DHA-enriched foods or supplements.