Prospective cohort study of broccoli consumption frequency and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks

Background: Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with broad health benefits, but its intake frequency and dose-response relationship with mortality risk remain unclear. Methods: Using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006, 12,486 adults were included. Broccoli intake frequency was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks were followed up. The relationship between broccoli intake and mortality risk was analyzed using Cox models. Results: Compared with never consumption of broccoli, different frequencies of broccoli consumption were associated with significantly decreased risks of all-cause mortality (p for trend <0.001). Consuming broccoli 1-2 times per week was associated with a 32-43% lower mortality risk. More frequent broccoli consumption was negatively correlated with cardiovascular and cancer mortality risks (p < 0.05). Consuming broccoli 1-2 times per week for males and >= 3 times per week for females could significantly reduce all-cause mortality risk. Conclusion: Moderate and frequent consumption of broccoli may reduce the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Optimal intake frequencies may differ by gender.