Dietary flavonoid intake is linked to reduced all-cause mortality: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between dietary flavonoid consumption and all-cause mortality (ACM) among U.S. adults, and determine the optimal intake levels and target populations that could benefit from such dietary interventions.

Methodology: A cohort study employing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used with follow-up for ACM status until December 31, 2018. A United States population-based study employing NHANES data.  A total of 4,60 adults from NHANES were asked about their dietary flavonoid intake via 24-hour dietary recall.

Results: After a median follow-up of 121 months, 51 mortality cases were recorded. Analysis found a U-shaped correlation between dietary flavonoid consumption and ACM, with optimal intake levels ranging from 48.93 mg to 735.65 mg. Subgroup analysis revealed that males (P = 0.024), smokers (P = 0.010), non-drinkers (P = 0.025), and individuals without obesity (P = 0.003) and cardiovascular disease (P = 0.008) benefited the most from the dietary flavonoid intake.

Conclusions: Optimal dietary flavonoid intake is linked to reduced ACM, especially in males, smokers, non-drinkers, and individuals without obesity or cardiovascular disease. These findings show that personalized dietary recommendations are important for improving health outcomes.