Daily recommended cholesterol intake
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US and International Guidelines for Daily Cholesterol Intake
Current US guidelines have historically recommended limiting cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day for the general population and less than 200 mg per day for individuals with high LDL cholesterol. However, these recommendations differ from those in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which do not set a specific numerical limit but instead focus on reducing saturated and trans fat intake and shifting toward unsaturated fats 14. In 2015, the US Dietary Guidelines removed the specific upper limit of 300 mg/day, instead advising that cholesterol intake should be as low as possible within a healthy diet 68.
Average Cholesterol Intake in the Population
Recent data from the US show that the average adult consumes about 290–293 mg of cholesterol per day, with men averaging 348 mg and women 242 mg. About 39% of adults exceed the 300 mg/day mark, with higher rates among men than women 23. These intake levels have remained relatively stable over the past decade 23. In China, average cholesterol intake has increased over time, reaching 266 mg/day in 2011, with a growing proportion of adults exceeding 300 mg/day .
Health Outcomes and Optimal Cholesterol Intake
Research suggests that the relationship between dietary cholesterol and health outcomes is complex. Some studies indicate a U-shaped association between cholesterol intake and all-cause mortality, with the lowest risk observed at around 328 mg/day. Both very low and very high intakes were linked to higher mortality risk . In Chinese adults, cholesterol intake above 500 mg/day was associated with higher odds of hypercholesterolemia and elevated LDL cholesterol, but not with overall dyslipidemia or other lipid abnormalities .
Dietary Cholesterol and Blood Cholesterol Levels
Multiple studies and reviews have found little to no direct correlation between dietary cholesterol intake and blood cholesterol levels for most people. While some individuals are more sensitive to dietary cholesterol, for the majority, increases in dietary cholesterol do not significantly raise LDL cholesterol, and may also increase HDL cholesterol, maintaining a stable LDL/HDL ratio 46810. Recent clinical trials have shown that even when dietary cholesterol intake exceeds previous recommendations, there is no significant negative impact on blood lipid profiles, especially when part of a healthy, low-carbohydrate diet .
Food Sources of Dietary Cholesterol
The main sources of dietary cholesterol in the US are meat, eggs, grain products, and milk, which together account for about 96% of total intake 23. In China, eggs, pork, fish, and shellfish are the top sources, with eggs being the largest contributor .
Conclusion
There is no longer a universally recommended daily cholesterol limit in the US, and many international guidelines do not set a specific number. Most evidence suggests that moderate cholesterol intake (around 300 mg/day) is not associated with increased health risks for the general population, and very high intakes (above 500 mg/day) may increase the risk of high cholesterol in some individuals. The focus for heart health should be on overall dietary patterns, especially reducing saturated and trans fats, rather than strictly limiting cholesterol intake 146810.
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