Egg intake and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents: role of physical activity; the HELENA study

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the main cause of morbi-mortality in western countries. Serum cholesterol levels have been related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Egg intake has been indirectly related to the risk of developing CVD because of its high cholesterol content. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between egg intake and CVD risk factors in adolescents, assessing the possible influence of physical activity. We studied 380 adolescents enrolled in the HELENA (HEalthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study. Food intake was estimated by 2 nonconsecutive 24 h recalls. We measured adiposity indicators, lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin levels, insulin resistance, blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness. A CVD risk score was computed as a measure of the overall CVD risk profile. Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry. Sexual development was examined. Socioeconomic and smoking statuses were obtained by questionnaire. The association between egg intake and CVD risk factors was examined using a multilevel analysis adjusted for potential confounders. Egg intake was not associated with lipid profile, adiposity, insulin resistance, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness or the integrated CVD risk score. This lack of association was not influenced by physical activity. The findings of the present study suggest that egg intake is not associated with a less favorable lipid or CVD risk profile in adolescents. This lack of association is not influenced by the level of physical activity.