EGG NUTRITION CENTER MEDIA STATEMENT: American Heart Association Science Advisory on Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk

Mickey Rubin, PhD, Executive Director, Egg Nutrition Center

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Dec 16, 2019, 21:13 ET

CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- "Today, the American Heart Association issued a new Science Advisory on the Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk, confirming where the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee landed in 2015: dietary cholesterol is not a nutrient of concern and that eggs can be beneficial part of a healthy diet.

The American Heart Association recommendations state that giving specific dietary cholesterol targets within the context of food-based advice is challenging for clinicians and consumers to implement. Instead, guidance on dietary patterns are more likely to improve diet quality and to promote cardiovascular health.

The AHA Science Advisory outlined three specific recommendations regarding eggs:

In healthy individuals, consumption of an egg a day is acceptable in heart-healthy dietary patterns.
In older healthy individuals, given the nutritional benefits and convenience of eggs, consumption of up to 2 eggs per day is acceptable within a heart-healthy dietary pattern.
Vegetarians (lacto-ovo) who do not consume meat-based foods may include more dairy and eggs in their diets in moderation.

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the science including a meta-analysis of 16 studies, finding that cholesterol was no longer a nutrient of concern for Americans. The science continues to remain the same today.

Eggs are a good or excellent source of eight essential nutrients including choline and lutein, which are important for brain and memory development along with long-term health. The high-quality protein in eggs also helps support strong muscles and bones while providing sustained mental and physical energy throughout the day.

For more information on building a healthy diet with eggs, please visit EggNutritionCenter.org."

SOURCE American Egg Board