Intake of a Mediterranean Diet Reduces Atherogenic Lipid Profiles but the Effect Is Diminished by Daily Egg Intake

OBJECTIVES: A Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) decreases atherogenic lipoproteins and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. It is unknown how high cholesterol intake within a Med Diet will affect these parameters. The objective of this project was to evaluate the daily inclusion of whole eggs, a high cholesterol food, in the Med Diet on lipid and lipoprotein profiles. METHODS: Overweight to obese men (8) and women (25) were recruited into a randomized, cross-over designed, controlled feeding study evaluating three isocaloric test diets: a) Control –average American diet from What We Eat in America, b) Med Diet, and c) Med Diet plus whole, fresh eggs (1 whole egg/1000 kcal; Med Diet + Egg). The Control and Med Diet contained egg substitute. Participants were directed to consume only those foods provided during each 4-week diet treatment period. Each treatment period was separated by > 4-week washout period. Fasting blood was taken pre- and post-treatment for determination of lipid concentrations, lipoprotein particle size and number. RESULTS: Intake of the Control and Med Diet, but not the Med Diet + Egg, decreased (time effect, P