Heart Foundation Australia puts no limit on how many eggs healthy people can eat each week. Eggs have a minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels and are encouraged as part of a heart-healthy eating pattern. For people with diabetes, high LDL cholesterol or existing heart disease, the general guidance is up to seven eggs a week.
What Do Australian Health Authorities Actually Say?
Two main sources shape this guidance in Australia, and they broadly agree with each other.
Australian Dietary Guidelines (NHMRC)
The Australian Dietary Guidelines don't set a specific numeric limit on eggs. Eggs sit within the "lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds" food group, recommended as part of a varied diet.
Heart Foundation Australia
Heart Foundation Australia's current position places no limit on how many eggs healthy people can eat each week, based on evidence that eggs have a minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels. For people with diabetes, high LDL cholesterol or existing heart disease, the guidance is up to seven eggs a week, as part of an overall diet low in saturated fat.
Eggs and Cholesterol: What the Evidence Shows
Dietary cholesterol (what's in food) and blood cholesterol (what your body produces and circulates) aren't the same thing, and they're not as closely linked as many people assume.
Saturated fat has a much greater effect on raising LDL ("bad") cholesterol than the cholesterol in eggs themselves. In fact, recent research found that eating two eggs a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat, actually helped lower LDL cholesterol and a related risk marker called apolipoprotein B.
Eggs for People with Diabetes or Heart Disease
If you're managing diabetes or heart disease, eggs can still be part of your diet. Heart Foundation Australia's guidance for this group is up to seven eggs a week, with the focus on your overall dietary pattern, particularly limiting saturated fat.
Who Should Be More Cautious?
Most people don't need to think twice about eggs, but a few groups benefit from more tailored advice.
People with familial hypercholesterolaemia (an inherited condition causing very high cholesterol) or existing cardiovascular disease may need individualised guidance, since cholesterol metabolism can vary from person to person.
A GP or Accredited Practising Dietitian can help work out what's right for you.
| Group | Current Guidance |
| Healthy adults | No specific limit, per Heart Foundation Australia |
| People with diabetes, high LDL cholesterol or heart disease | Up to 7 eggs a week, as part of a diet low in saturated fat |
| Children | No specific numeric cap under the Australian Dietary Guidelines; see our children's guide for age-specific advice |
Key Takeaways
- Heart Foundation Australia places no limit on eggs for healthy adults.
- Eggs have a minimal effect on blood cholesterol for most people.
- People with diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease are generally advised to keep to around 7 eggs a week.
- What surrounds your eggs (butter, bacon, salt) often matters more than the eggs themselves.
- One serve of eggs provides 12.7 grams of quality protein, along with vitamin D, B12, choline and selenium - making it one of the most nutritious and accessible wholefoods available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many eggs a week is healthy for the average Australian adult?
According to Heart Foundation Australia, there's no specific limit for healthy adults. Eggs have a minimal effect on blood cholesterol and are encouraged as part of a heart-healthy eating pattern.
Is the old advice to limit eggs a week still correct?
No. Heart Foundation Australia updated its position in 2019 to reflect that eggs have a minimal effect on blood cholesterol for most healthy people, removing earlier caution around egg intake.
Can people with diabetes or heart disease eat eggs every day?
Heart Foundation Australia's current guidance for this group is up to seven eggs a week, as part of an overall diet low in saturated fat. It's worth confirming with your GP or dietitian, especially with specific cholesterol conditions.
Do eggs increase cholesterol levels?
For most people, not meaningfully. Saturated fat has a much greater effect on blood cholesterol than the dietary cholesterol in eggs, and eggs themselves are relatively low in saturated fat.
What do the Australian Dietary Guidelines say about how many eggs to eat?
The Australian Dietary Guidelines don't set a specific numeric limit. Eggs are included in the "lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds" food group as a recommended protein source.