[Egg intake and cardiovascular risk].
Egg yolk has the highest content of cholesterol observed in different types of food. Intake of one egg per day increases the serum concentration of LDL cholesterol by 0.10 mmol/l. In healthy people eating a Western diet, egg consumption does not correlate with cardiovascular risk. However, a significant increase of the risk was observed in diabetic subjects starting from an intake of 5-7 eggs per week. However, dietary pattern rather than a single component of nutrition influences cardiovascular risk. The egg - rich in proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals - should be part of our nutrition, and it is not justified to recommend a general limitation of egg intake. However, we do not advice unbalanced high egg consumption. A cardioprotective diet is characterized by high variability and contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.
Schärer
M
M
Medizinische Poliklinik, Departement für Innere Medizin, Universitätsspital Zürich.
Schulthess
G
G
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004435:Eating; D004531:Eggs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior