How Much Cholesterol Should an Adult Have Per Day?
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Healthy Adult
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In general, healthy adults should consume no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day, according to the American Heart Association. Foods such as fatty meat, dairy products high in fat content and eggs contain high levels of cholesterol and adults should eat them in limited quantities.
Adults with Cholesterol Problems
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Adults who already have cholesterol problems should consume no more than 200 mg of cholesterol per day. People in this category include those with coronary heart disease or diabetes, and those whose recent blood cholesterol tests show 100 mg/dL or greater for the LDL cholesterol level.
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Bottom Line
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Eating more than the American Heart Association's recommended 200 to 300 mg per day of cholesterol per day can result in high blood cholesterol levels and lead to heart problems. Because the relationship between a person's cholesterol intake and blood cholesterol varies, some people can eat more cholesterol without problems.
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