Recommended daily intake of cholesterol
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Recommended Daily Cholesterol Intake: Guidelines and Trends
US and International Cholesterol Intake Guidelines
Current US guidelines 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 promoting unsaturated fats 13. In 2015, the US Dietary Guidelines removed the specific 300 mg/day limit, instead advising that cholesterol intake should be limited without specifying a number 57.
Actual 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 previous 300 mg/day recommendation 24. These intake levels have remained stable over the past decade 24. 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 Impacts and Mortality Risk
Research indicates that the relationship between dietary cholesterol and health outcomes is complex. Some studies show no clear link between dietary cholesterol and increased risk of cardiovascular disease for most people 379. In fact, epidemiological data suggest that dietary cholesterol does not strongly correlate with blood cholesterol levels in the general population 39. However, a subset of individuals (about 25%) may be more sensitive to dietary cholesterol and could see increases in LDL cholesterol, though HDL cholesterol often rises as well, maintaining the LDL/HDL ratio .
A large US study found a U-shaped relationship between cholesterol intake and all-cause mortality, with the lowest risk at an intake of about 328 mg/day. Both lower and higher intakes were associated with increased mortality risk . In China, very high cholesterol intake (500 mg/day or more) was linked to higher odds of hypercholesterolemia and high LDL cholesterol, but not to overall dyslipidemia or other lipid abnormalities .
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 96% of total intake 24. In China, eggs, pork, fish, and shellfish are the top sources, with eggs being the largest contributor .
Practical Recommendations
Most recent guidelines suggest that, for the general population, there is no need for a strict numerical limit on cholesterol intake. Instead, the focus should be on overall dietary patterns, reducing saturated and trans fats, and choosing nutrient-dense foods. Eggs, for example, are considered a healthy and affordable source of protein and micronutrients, especially when consumed in moderation . However, individuals with specific health conditions or high cholesterol sensitivity may still benefit from moderating their cholesterol intake 1310.
Conclusion
While older US guidelines recommended limiting cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day, more recent evidence and international guidelines have moved away from strict numerical limits. Most people can safely consume moderate amounts of cholesterol as part of a balanced diet, focusing on reducing saturated and trans fats and choosing healthy, nutrient-rich foods. Very high cholesterol intake (above 500 mg/day) may increase the risk of high cholesterol in some individuals, but for most, a moderate intake around 300 mg/day appears to be safe and may even be optimal for lowering mortality risk 610.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic