BHF comment
Eggs linked to heart disease and death, study suggests
High levels of dietary cholesterol, like those found in eggs, are linked to an increased risk of heart and circulatory disease, or even death, according to a new study published in JAMA.
Whether eating eggs increases our risk of heart and circulatory disease has been an ongoing and heated debate for decades.Today, a team of US researchers suggest consumption of eggs, which are one of the most common sources of dietary cholesterol, could not only be linked to greater risk of heart and circulatory conditions, but also death.
The team analysed the data of nearly 30,000 individuals from the US, for up to 31 years. They found that 300mg of dietary cholesterol per day was associated with 17 per cent higher risk of heart and circulatory disease. More significantly, 300mg was associated with 18 per cent greater risk of death.
The study’s limitations
This study was observational, which means conclusions have been drawn from large quantities of data. It shows there is an association between dietary cholesterol from foods like eggs and disease risk, but doesn’t prove it is cause and effect. What’s more, dietary cholesterol wouldn’t be the only factor increasing people’s risk of heart and circulatory disease. Other factors such as lifestyle or genetics may have also played a part.
Victoria Taylor, Senior Dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said:
“There has been much debate about the role of eggs in relation to heart and circulatory disease. This study suggests that people who eat more eggs are at a greater risk of heart disease because of the cholesterol that’s in them. But this type of study can only show an association, rather than cause and effect, and more research is needed for us to understand the reasons behind this link.
“Eating healthily is all about balance. If you’re eating too much of one thing it leaves less room in the diet for other foods that may have more health benefit.
“Eggs are a nutritious food and, while this study focuses on the amount we’re eating, it’s just as important to pay attention to how the eggs are cooked and to the trimmings that come with them. For example, poached eggs on wholegrain toast is a much healthier meal than a traditional fry up.”