Egg and health: Focused on the cholesterol issue

Abstract

The evidence from epidemiological studies supports the conclusion that consumption of 1∼2 eggs per day does not influence blood cholesterol levels in healthy individuals receiving the prudent eating pattern. However, the judgement is based on the presence of non-responder to dietary cholesterol at two-thirds of whole population. Attention is therefore necessary to the egg intake in people who are responsive to dietary cholesterol. There is no decisive evidence supporting the allowable limit of egg consumption for Japanese due to multiple confounding factors. In the association between egg and blood cholesterol we should thoroughly recognize an interpretation limit of the epidemiological studies and correspond from a nutritional viewpoint. In Japan the egg is one of the most important foods contributing to our healthy longevity, even though it is providing nearly half of our cholesterol intake.