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

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.

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.

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.

Moderate and frequent consumption of broccoli may reduce the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Optimal intake frequencies may differ by gender.