The main objective of this study was to analyze the pattern of nutrient intake in major metropolitan region of Brazil, seeking to identify the nutrient intake adequacy in the Brazilian families, and their evolution over time. The Almost Ideal System (AIDS) model was employed to estimate the demand for nutrients. The data used are from the Household Budget Survey of 1995 and 2003. The results indicated that the nutrient demand of the population has poor sensitivity to changes in prices. In addition, families tend to demand relatively more fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates than vitamins and minerals. It was found that there was worsening in the pattern of intake for most nutrients from 1995 to 2003, in relation to daily nutrient recommendations. Thus, despite the favorable changes to food consumption that have occurred in last decades, it is perceived deterioration in standards of intake of nutrients.