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Dietary Cholesterol

Cholesterol in food has less effect on blood cholesterol for most people than saturated fat does — foods like eggs can be part of a healthy diet.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What it is

Cholesterol is a fatty substance. Most of the cholesterol in the blood is made by the body; a smaller amount comes from food (dietary cholesterol) in animal products.

What it does

The body needs some cholesterol to build cells and make certain hormones and vitamin D. For most people, the saturated fat in the diet raises blood cholesterol more than the cholesterol in food itself.

Good sources

Dietary cholesterol is found in eggs, shellfish, liver and other animal foods. These are not foods to avoid for cholesterol reasons for most people, but portion and overall diet still matter.

Deficiency and who is at risk

The body makes the cholesterol it needs, so there is no requirement to eat it and no such thing as dietary cholesterol deficiency.

Balance

Can you have too much?

For most people, reducing saturated fat matters more for blood cholesterol than cutting cholesterol-containing foods. Some people, for example with certain inherited conditions, may be advised to limit dietary cholesterol.

Education and reference only. This is general nutrition information, not personal advice, and does not give doses. Ask a pharmacist, GP or registered dietitian before starting supplements, especially with a health condition or in pregnancy.

Answers

Dietary Cholesterol: frequently asked questions

Can I eat eggs if I have high cholesterol?

For most people, yes. The cholesterol in eggs has little effect on blood cholesterol compared with saturated fat, so eggs can be part of a healthy diet. Focus on cutting saturated fat instead.

Does eating cholesterol raise my blood cholesterol?

For most people, only a little. Saturated fat in the diet has a bigger effect on blood cholesterol than the cholesterol you eat. Some people with specific conditions may still need to watch dietary cholesterol.

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — Eat well
  • British Dietetic Association (BDA)
  • UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)

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