Clinical Significance of Reduced Forced Expiratory Volume in 3 Seconds to Forced Expiratory Volume in 6 Seconds in Adults.

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Although the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been established as a valuable predictor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular mortality, there is limited research exploring its association with all-cause or CVD mortality specifically in adults with diabetes aged < 65 years without cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and both all-cause and CVD mortality in this population within the United States. Our study recruited 1778 adults with diabetes aged < 65 years without cardiovascular disease from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018. Mortality outcomes were determined by linking to National Death Index (NDI) records up to December 31, 2019. Cox regression modeling was employed to examine the association between the TyG index and mortality in this population. The nonlinear relationship between the TyG index and mortality was assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to explore potential effect modifiers. A total of 1788 participants were included in the final cohort, with an average age of 49.61 ± 0.32 years. During a median follow-up of 7.92 years, the occurrence of 150 all-cause deaths and 33 CVD-related deaths were recorded. To investigate the independent association between the TyG index and the risks of all-cause and CVD mortality, three Cox regression models were developed. In Model 1, a significant positive association was observed between the TyG index and the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09–1.74). This association persisted in the minimally adjusted model (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.13–1.83), which was adjusted for age, gender and race. Even after full adjustment, this positive association remained significant (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.36–2.70). We also found that the relationship between the TyG index and all-cause mortality was linear. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant interactions between the TyG index and the stratification variables. However, we did not observe a significant association between the TyG index and CVD mortality in this population. Our results suggested that a significantly positive association between the TyG index and all-cause mortality. The positive association between the TyG index and all-cause mortality was linear. We did not observe a significant association between the TyG index and CVD mortality.

BackgroundCurrent lung function indicators are insufficient for identifying clinical characteristics and early lesions in chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). Consequently, there is a necessity to explore new lung function indicators related to respiratory prognosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the forced expiratory volume in 0.5 seconds (FEV0.5)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio plays a significant role in lung function assessment in infants and preschoolers. No studies have explored the same in adults. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between FEV0.5/FVC and respiratory health outcomes in adults.MethodsThe participants were recruited from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 1988–1994 and 2007–2012 cycles). The study included participants aged 20 years and older who were not pregnant, had quality-controlled prebronchodilator lung function and mortality data, and had complete body measurements and mortality follow-up data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association of FEV0.5/FVC with the risk of comorbidities and chronic respiratory symptoms. The association between FEV0.5/FVC and all-cause mortality risk was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to explore the non-linear association between FEV0.5/FVC and all-cause mortality risk. Subgroup analyses were performed by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), race, and smoking status.ResultsUltimately, 25,357 participants were included in the analysis. The mean age of participants was 46.1±17.2 years, and 48.7% were male. The mean BMI was 28.0±6.3 kg/m2, and the mean prebronchodilator FEV0.5/FVC was 62.5%±8.9%. During a median follow-up period of 308 months, 24.8% of participants died (6,295/25,357). In adults, lower FEV0.5/FVC was associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) =3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.10–3.68 for groups I vs. V]. A non-linear U-shaped relationship between FEV0.5/FVC and all-cause mortality risk was observed. These findings were confirmed in the subgroup analyses.ConclusionsA lower FEV0.5/FVC was associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk in adults, indicating that FEV0.5/FVC can serve as a new lung function indicator for assessing respiratory health prognosis. Further research is required to establish a lower limit of normal for FEV0.5/FVC.

BackgroundNeutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a biomarker of systemic inflammation and immune activation. However, its relationship with the risk of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between NLR and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with COPD.MethodsData were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from January 1999 to December 2018. The calculation method of NLR involves dividing the neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count in the total blood cell count. The optimal NLR threshold associated with survival outcomes was determined using the maximally selected rank statistics method (MSRSM). The relationship between NLR and the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in COPD was investigated using a weighted multivariable Cox regression model. Additionally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) was employed to discuss the potential relationship between NLR patients in different groups and the risk of mortality.ResultsIn this study, 716 adults with COPD were included using the maximally selected rank statistics method, among whom 208 had higher NLR (≥2.56) and 508 had lower NLR (<2.56). During a median follow-up of 111.5 months, 162 COPD patients died from all causes, and 49 patients died from cardiovascular diseases. After adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors, the risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.46–2.94) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 3.03, 95%CI: 1.63–5.65) in patients with higher NLR was increased by 2–3 times compared to those with lower NLR. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significantly lower survival rates in patients with higher NLR for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (p < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a linear correlation between NLR and the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.ConclusionNLR has a high value in independently predicting long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks in community-dwelling COPD patients. Therefore, NLR can serve as a cost-effective and widely available indicator for assessing the prognosis of COPD patients.

In this study we investigated the association of the quantity, quality, and timing of carbohydrate intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and diabetes mortality. This secondary data analysis included use of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2014) and National Death Index data from adults (n = 27,623) for examination of the association of total daily and differences in carbohydrate intake with mortality. Participants were categorized into four carbohydrate intake patterns based on the median values of daily high- and low-quality carbohydrate intake. The differences (Δ) in carbohydrate intake between dinner and breakfast were calculated (Δ = dinner - breakfast). Cox regression models were used. The participants who consumed more high-quality carbohydrates throughout the day had lower all-cause mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88; 95% CI 0.79-0.99), whereas more daily intake of low-quality carbohydrates was related to greater all-cause mortality risk (HR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01-1.26). Among participants whose daily high- and low-quality carbohydrate intake were both below the median, the participants who consumed more high-quality carbohydrates at dinner had lower CVD (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.52-0.93) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.70-0.97) risk; an isocaloric substitution of 1 serving low-quality carbohydrates intake at dinner with high-quality reduced the CVD and all-cause mortality risks by 25% and 19%. There was greater diabetes mortality among the participants who consumed more low-quality carbohydrates at dinner (HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.02-3.11), although their daily high-quality carbohydrate intake was above the median. Consuming more low-quality carbohydrates at dinner was associated with greater diabetes mortality, whereas consuming more high-quality carbohydrates at dinner was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality irrespective of the total daily quantity and quality of carbohydrates.

Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)/log ferritin index (sTfR Index) can be used to assess the entire spectrum of iron status, and is valuable in evaluating iron status in population studies. There is still a lack of evidence on the association between sTfR index and all-cause mortality. To explore the association between sTfR index and all-cause mortality, as well as mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 to 2020. Participants aged 16 years and older who had complete data of serum ferritin and sTfR were included. Pregnant individuals or those with ineligible data on death or follow-up were excluded from the analysis. Baseline sTfR index was calculated by baseline sTfR/log (ferritin) and classified as three tertile. We performed the Cox proportional hazard regression to assess the association of sTfR index (both continuous and categorical scale) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality and further assess the non-linear relationship between sTfR index and the outcomes with restricted cubic spline. In this study, 11,525 participants, a total of 231 (2.0%) all-cause deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 51 months. The risk of all-cause mortality, CVD-related mortality, and cancer-related mortality was higher in participants with highest tertile of sTfR index. After confounding factors adjustment, participants with highest tertile of sTfR index were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.14-2.57) as compared with lowest tertile. Additionally, sTfR index per SD increment was associated with a 25% increasing risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08-1.45, p = 0.003) and a 38% cancer-related mortality (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07-1.77, p = 0.018). These associations remained robust after adjusting for the serum ferritin as well as in various subgroups stratified by age, sex, smoking statue, hypertension, diabetes, and CVD. Spline analysis showed that there is approximately linear relationship between sTfR index with all-cause mortality (p for non-linear = 0.481). Moreover, ferritin was not a predictor of all-cause death after adjustment for confounding factors. This cohort study demonstrated a significant association between sTfR index increment and an increased risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality, independent of ferritin levels.

BackgroundThe American Heart Association (AHA) proposed the concept of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome, underscoring the interconnectedness of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) represents an innovative indicator that quantifies blood glucose fluctuations in patients experiencing acute or subacute stress, correlating with detrimental clinical effects. Nevertheless, the prognostic significance of SHR within individuals diagnosed with CKM syndrome in stages 0 to 3, particularly with respect to all-cause or cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risks, has not been fully understood yet.MethodsThe current study analyzed data from 9647 participants with CKM syndrome, covering stages 0 to 3, based on the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) collected from 2007 to 2018. In this study, the primary exposure variable was the SHR, computed as fasting plasma glucose divided by (1.59 * HbA1c − 2.59). The main endpoints of study were all-cause mortality as well as CVD mortality, with death registration data sourced through December 31, 2019. The CHARLS database (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) was utilized as validation to enhance the reliability of the findings.ResultsThis study included 9647 NHANES participants, who were followed for a median duration of 6.80 years. During this period, 630 all-cause mortality cases and 135 CVD-related deaths in total were recorded. After full adjustment for covariates, our results displayed a robust positive association of SHR with all-cause mortality (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.13). However, the SHR exhibited no significant relationship with CVD mortality (HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.91–1.11). The mediation analysis results suggested that the relationship between SHR and all-cause mortality risk is partially mediated by RDW, albumin, and RAR. Specifically, the mediating effects were − 17.0% (95% CI − 46.7%, − 8.7%), − 10.1% (95% CI − 23.9%, − 4.7%), and − 23.3% (95% CI − 49.0%, − 13.0%), respectively. Additionally, analyses of the CHARLS database indicated a significant positive correlation between SHR and all-cause mortality among individuals diagnosed with CKM across stages 0–3 during the follow-up period from 2011 to 2020.ConclusionsAn increased SHR value is positively associated with an elevated likelihood of all-cause mortality within individuals diagnosed with CKM syndrome across stages 0–3, yet it shows no significant association with CVD mortality. SHR is an important tool for predicting long-term adverse outcomes in this population.Graphical abstractResearch insights summaryCardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome emphasizes the interconnectedness of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases. The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is a novel marker reflecting stress-induced glucose fluctuations, but its prognostic value in individuals with CKM syndrome (stages 0–3) remains uncertain. This study explores the association between SHR and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in this population. Our findings indicate that SHR is significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.13), but not with CVD mortality (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.91–1.11). Mediation analysis results suggested that the relationship between SHR and all-cause mortality risk is partially mediated by RDW, albumin, and RAR. Specifically, the mediating effects were − 17.0% (95% CI − 46.7%, − 8.7%), − 10.1% (95% CI − 23.9%, − 4.7%), and − 23.3% (95% CI − 49.0%, − 13.0%), respectively. Validation using the CHARLS database supports these findings. These results suggest that SHR could serve as a prognostic biomarker for long-term mortality risk in CKM patients, offering potential clinical utility in risk stratification and management.

BackgroundWith rising obesity and hypertension rates, cardiovascular disease and mortality issues have become increasingly severe. The weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) is an innovative metric that accurately reflects body composition and shows superior potential in predicting obesity-related health risks. This study aims to explore the association between WWI and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients.MethodsAdult participants with hypertension were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2016). Cox regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCSs) were used to assess the relationship between WWI and mortality. Stratified, interaction, and sensitivity analyses further examined the robustness of the results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of WWI for mortality.ResultsThis study included 14,350 hypertensive individuals. As WWI levels increased, the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rose progressively. Each one-unit increase in WWI was associated with a 19% higher risk of all-cause mortality and a 23% higher chance of cardiovascular mortality in the fully adjusted continuous model. The highest WWI quartile had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21–1.57, P for trend < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.70; 95% CI 1.28–2.25, P for trend = 0.005). Furthermore, RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear association between WWI and all-cause mortality (P-non-linear < 0.001). Stratified and interaction analyses confirmed that these associations were consistent and stable in various demographics, except for the diabetic population. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed these results. ROC analysis indicated that WWI had a higher predictive capability for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio.ConclusionThis study provides new evidence for the association of WWI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients. WWI may serve as a valuable indicator of adiposity risk in this population.Graphical abstractSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-23891-x.

BackgroundArterial stiffness is a significant determinant and evaluation of cardio-cerebrovascular disease and all-cause mortality risk in the stroke population. Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) is a well-established indirect measure of arterial stiffness. We examined the association of ePWV with all-cause and cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCD) mortality in the stroke population in a large sample of US adults.MethodsThe study design was a prospective cohort study with data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2014, between the ages of 18–85 years, with follow-up through December 31, 2019. 1,316 individuals with stroke among 58,759 participants were identified and ultimately, 879 stroke patients were included in the analysis. ePWV was calculated from a regression equation using age and mean blood pressure according to the following formula: ePWV = 9.587 − (0.402 × age) + [4.560 × 0.001 × (age2)] − [2.621 × 0.00001 × (age2) × MBP] + (3.176 × 0.001 × age × MBP) − (1.832 × 0.01 × MBP). Survey-weighted Cox regression models were used to assess the association between ePWV and all-cause and CCD mortality risk.ResultsThe high ePWV level group had a higher increased risk of all-cause mortality and CCD mortality compared to the low ePWV level group after fully adjusting for covariates. With an increase in ePWV of 1 m/s, the risk of all-cause and CCD mortality increased by 44%–57% and 47%–72% respectively. ePWV levels were linearly correlated with the risk of all-cause mortality (P for nonlinear = 0.187). With each 1 m/s increase in ePWV, the risk of all-cause mortality increased by 44% (HR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.22–1.69; P < 0.001). When ePWV was <12.1 m/s, an increase in ePWV per 1 m/s was associated with a 119% (HR 2.19, 95% CI: 1.43–3.36; P < 0.001) increase in CCD mortality risk; when ePWV was ≥12.1 m/s, an increase in ePWV per 1 m/s was not associated with in CCD mortality risk.ConclusionePWV is an independent risk factor for all-cause and CCD mortality in stroke patients. Higher levels of ePWV are associated with higher all-cause mortality and CCD mortality in stroke patients.

Association of dietary live microbe intake with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in an older population: Evidence from NHANES 2003-2018.

AimsTo investigate the association between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in middle age and elderly population.Methods and resultsA total of 9,254 participants with age ≥ 45 years were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycle of 1999–2014. The TyG index was determined as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) x fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms). The association between the levels of TyG and the risk of mortality was explored with Cox regression models. After a median follow-up of 7.6 years, 1,774 all-cause death occurred. Univariate analysis showed that the TyG was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.11,1.26]; p < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate-adjusted analysis found that the third TyG quartile (8.72 ~ 9.16) was associated with the lowest risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95%CI [0.73, 0.98]; p < 0.05). Restricted cubic splines showed that the association between levels of TyG index and the risk of all-cause mortality was non-linear (p for nonlinearity < 0.001) and the inflection point was 9.18 using threshold effect analysis. The HR was 0.82 (95%CI [0.71,0.96]) below 9.18 while the HR was 1.32 (95%CI [1.12,1.55]) above 9.18.ConclusionTyG index was U-shaped associated with all-cause mortality and the TyG index associated with the lowest risk of all-cause mortality was 9.18.

BackgroundElevated monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (MHR) is relevant to higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and other comorbidities. However, the predictive values of MHR for mortality in the general population have been underutilized. This study investigated the association of MHR with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the adult population of the United States.MethodsThis study included 34,335 participants (≥20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014 that were grouped according to MHR tertiles. Kaplan-Meier plots and long-rank tests were employed to investigate differences in survival among the groups. Moreover, the relationship of MHR with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was further explored using multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analysis.ResultsDuring the average follow-up of 93.5 ± 56 months, 4310 (12.6%) participants died, with 754 (2.2%) deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed statistically obvious differences in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among the MHR tertiles (log-rank test: all P < 0.001). In multi-adjusted models, participants in the highest tertile of MHR had an increased risk of all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.29) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.17–1.77), compared to those in the lowest tertile. Furthermore, the restricted cubic spline curve indicated that MHR had a non-linear association with all-cause mortality (P < 0.001), and the inflection point of MHR was 0.006. Each 2-fold change in MHR exhibited a 32% decrease (HR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.58–0.82) and a 20% increase (HR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.13–1.27) in the risk of all-cause mortality on the left and right flanks of the inflection point, respectively. Additionally, the risk of cardiovascular mortality increased by 21% per 2-fold change in MHR (HR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.07–1.36) in a linear manner.ConclusionsMHR was significantly related to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population independent of established risk factors.

BackgroundIn the past, there has been a clear conclusion regarding the sole impact of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) on the risk of death. However, the combined effect of sNfL levels and type 2 DM on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality is still uncertain.MethodsThis study was a prospective cohort study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The sNfL levels were measured through immunological methods using blood samples collected during the survey. The diagnosis of diabetes was based on rigorous criteria, and participants’ mortality data were followed up until December 31, 2019. Firstly, we separately examined the effects of sNfL and type 2 DM on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and finally studied the comprehensive impact of the combination of sNfL and type 2 DM on the risk of mortality. Cumulative Kaplan-Meier curves, multivariate logistic regression and sensitivity analysis were incorporated throughout the entire study.ResultsParticipants in the highest quartile of sNfL were observed. Multivariable COX regression model showed that increased sNfL levels and type 2 DM were respectively associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, elevated sNfL levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for confounding factors. When considering both elevated sNfL levels and type 2 DM, individuals had a significantly increased risk of mortality. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings.ConclusionsThese results suggest that elevated levels of sNfL and type 2 DM are associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and that participants with increased sNfL levels associated with type 2 DM have higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness in the United States if subretinal neovascularization is left untreated. Knowledge of the association between AMD and survival is informative for underlying mechanisms of AMD. To examine the association between AMD and risk of all-cause and specific-cause mortality in a representative US sample. This population-based prospective cohort study included 5603 participants 40 years or older who responded to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the 2005-2008 phase. Retinal photographs were graded as early, late, or no AMD. All analyses accounted for the complex and stratified design of NHANES with weighted data. Risks of all-cause mortality were assessed with Cox proportional hazards regression models; risks of specific-cause mortality, with Fine and Gray competing risks regression models. Time to death was counted from baseline to date of death or December 31, 2011, whichever came first. Data analysis was conducted from April 1 through 30, 2018. Age-related macular degeneration status as determined by digital fundus images. Mortality resulting from all causes and specific causes until December 31, 2011. Among the 5603 participants (52.6% female [n = 2793] and 77.1% white [n = 3017]; mean [SE] age, 56.4 [0.4] years), weighted prevalence of any AMD was 6.6%, with 386 (5.8%) having early AMD and 55 (0.8%) having late AMD. After a median follow-up of 4.5 years (interquartile range, 3.6-5.6 years), 433 (5.3%) died of all causes, of whom 361 (83.1%) had no AMD, 54 (11.5%) had signs of early AMD, 18 (5.4%) had signs of late AMD, and 72 (16.9%) had any AMD at baseline. Overall, unadjusted all-cause and specific-cause mortality rates were higher for those participants who had early, late, or any AMD compared with no AMD. However, after adjusting confounding factors, only late AMD was associated with more than a doubling of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.01; 95% CI, 1.00-4.03) and more than a 3-fold higher risk of mortality due to causes other than cardiovascular disease and cancer (HR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.38-8.49). No association was identified between AMD presence or early AMD and all-cause or specific-cause mortality. In this study's findings, only late AMD was independently associated with all-cause mortality and mortality due to causes other than cardiovascular disease and cancer, indicating that late AMD may be a marker of biological aging. Alternatively, this association may be due to unmeasured or inadequately assessed confounding factors for late AMD.

We aimed to investigate the associations between dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) intake and long-term risks of CVD, cancer and all-cause mortality in nationwide survey participants aged ≥ 18. This was a prospective cohort study. Dietary intakes of BCAA (leucine, isoleucine and valine) were determined from the total nutrient intake document. The main outcomes were CVD, cancer and all-cause mortality. A nationally representative sample of US adults were recruited by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) from 1988 to 1994. A total of 14397 adults aged ≥ 18 who participated in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) were included. During 289406 person-years of follow-up, we identified 4219 deaths, including 1133 from CVD and 926 from cancer. After multivariate adjustment, the hazard ratios (95 % confidence intervals) of all-cause mortality in the highest dietary BCAA and isoleucine intake quintile (reference: lowest quintiles) were 0·68 (0·48, 0·97) and 0·68 (0·48, 0·97), respectively. Each one-standard-deviation increase in total dietary BCAA or isoleucine intake was associated with an 18 % or 21 % decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality, respectively. The serum triglyceride (TAG) concentration was found to modify the association between the dietary BCAA intake and all-cause mortality (Pfor interaction = 0·008). In a nationally representative cohort, higher dietary intakes of BCAA and isoleucine were independently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and these associations were stronger in participants with higher serum TAG concentrations.