Daily intake of cholesterol
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Daily Cholesterol Intake: Trends, Sources, and Health Implications
Trends in Daily Cholesterol Intake
United States: According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2001 to 2014, the average daily cholesterol intake among U.S. adults has remained relatively constant at around 290 mg/day. In the 2013-2014 survey cycle, the mean intake was 293 mg/day, with men consuming more (348 mg/day) than women (242 mg/day). Notably, 39% of adults exceeded the recommended intake of 300 mg/day.
China: In contrast, cholesterol intake among Chinese adults has seen a significant increase over the past two decades. From 1991 to 2011, the average daily intake rose from 165.8 mg/day to 266.3 mg/day. This upward trend was consistent across different age groups, sexes, and levels of urbanization. Similarly, elderly Chinese populations also experienced a rise in cholesterol intake, reaching an average of 253.9 mg/day by 2011.
United Kingdom: Cholesterol intake in Britain has decreased over the years. In 1991, the average intake was 284 mg/day, down from 319 mg/day in 1987 and 337 mg/day in 1981. This decline reflects a broader trend towards reduced cholesterol consumption.
Major Dietary Sources of Cholesterol
United States: The primary sources of dietary cholesterol in the U.S. include meat, eggs, grain products, and milk, which together account for 96% of total cholesterol intake.
China: In China, the main sources of cholesterol are eggs, pork, fish, and shellfish. Over time, the contribution of animal fat to cholesterol intake has decreased, while poultry has become a more significant source .
United Kingdom: In the UK, the reduction in cholesterol intake is partly due to decreased consumption of foods high in cholesterol, such as red meat and dairy products, and an increased intake of vegetable oils.
Health Implications of Cholesterol Intake
Cardiovascular Health: High dietary cholesterol is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that increased cholesterol intake is associated with higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). For instance, in elderly Chinese populations, each 100 mg increase in dietary cholesterol intake was linked to a 0.035 mmol/L increase in serum TC and a 0.038 mmol/L increase in LDL-C.
Dietary Guidelines: The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend minimizing dietary cholesterol intake, although they no longer specify an upper limit of 300 mg/day. This change aligns with international guidelines that focus more on reducing total fat intake and shifting from saturated and trans fats to unsaturated fats.
Egg Consumption: A study comparing the effects of consuming three eggs per day to a choline bitartrate supplement found that while egg consumption increased total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C, it did not alter the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, a key marker of heart disease risk. This suggests that dietary cholesterol from eggs may regulate endogenous cholesterol synthesis to maintain a balanced lipid profile.
Conclusion
The trends in daily cholesterol intake vary significantly across different regions, with a notable increase in China and a decrease in the UK. The primary sources of dietary cholesterol also differ, with meat and eggs being common contributors. While high cholesterol intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, recent guidelines emphasize a more holistic approach to dietary fat consumption. Understanding these trends and sources can help tailor public health recommendations to better manage cholesterol intake and improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
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