Eating 300 mg of cholesterol or eggs increase risk of heart disease among American adults, reports a new study
Are eggs good or bad ? The debate continues as a new study published in JAMA Network reports that eating 300 mg of cholesterol or eggs increase risk of heart disease among American adults.
Cholesterol is a common nutrient in the human diet and eggs are a major source of dietary cholesterol.
The study included 29,615 participants from 6 different US cohorts using data collected between March 25, 1985, and August 31, 2016, a follow up of 17.5 years. The researchers investigated for an association between dietary cholesterol (mg/day) or egg consumption (number/day) to the likelihood of suffering from a cardiovascular event or dying during that time period. Self reported data was analyzed using a standardized protocol in this study.
Results showed that every 300 mg increase in cholesterol intake each day was associated with a 3.24% higher risk of having a cardiovascular event and a 4.43% higher likelihood of dying during that time period.
Results showed that every 300 mg increase in cholesterol intake each day was associated with a 3.24% higher risk of having a cardiovascular event and a 4.43% higher likelihood of dying during that time period.
The analysis also found that for each additional half an egg eaten per day, the likelihood of a cardiovascular event went up by 1.11% and the likelihood of death increased by 1.93%.
The association of egg consumption and increased heart disease risk was significant even after adjusting for confounding factors like age, sex, race, ethnicity, education level, personal habits like smoking or alcohol intake, physical activity levels, body mass indices (BMIs), blood pressures, lipid levels and any existing medical conditions.
Results from another recent study involving half a million chinese adults published in the journal Heart showed that a moderate level of egg consumption (up to <1 egg/day) was significantly associated with lower risk of heart disease.
One should remember that these large population based studies do show an association or correlation but does not confirm cause and effect.
One should also consider that one large egg contains about 186 mg of cholesterol when consumed in full (egg white plus egg yolk) and egg white alone forms an excellent source of protein. Eggs are also low calorie ( about 78 cal) and contain many micro-nutrients like vitamin D, choline, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Dietary recommendations from either the latest dietary guidelines for Americans or British Nutrition Foundation do not restrict the use of eggs in diet. Finding the right balanced diet is the key to having a healthy and nutritious diet.
