Eggs and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Update of Recent Evidence

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2023 Jul;25(7):373-380. doi: 10.1007/s11883-023-01109-y. Epub 2023 May 23.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review summarizes recent evidence published since a previous review in 2018 on the association between egg consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, CVD incidence, and CVD risk factors.

Recent findings: No recent randomized controlled trials were identified. Evidence from observational studies is mixed, with studies reporting either an increased risk or no association of highest egg consumption with CVD mortality, and a similar spread of increased risk, decreased risk, or no association between egg intake and total CVD incidence. Most studies reported a reduced risk or no association between egg consumption and CVD risk factors. Included studies reported low and high egg intake as between 0 and 1.9 eggs/week and 2 and ≥14 eggs/week, respectively. Ethnicity may influence the risk of CVD with egg consumption, likely due to differences in how eggs are consumed in the diet rather than eggs themselves. Recent findings are inconsistent regarding the possible relationship between egg consumption and CVD mortality and morbidity. Dietary guidance should focus on improving the overall quality of the diet to promote cardiovascular health.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Cardiovascular disease; Egg consumption; Heart disease; Hypertension; Lipids; Mortality; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / etiology
  • Diet
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors