Effect of different types of eggs on lipid profile in healthy rats

ABSTRACT

Avoidance of eggs is the usual dietary recommendation to reduce hypercholesterolemia. However, the results of many clinical trials have shown no correlation between egg consumption and the serum cholesterol concentration. So that, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different types of whole egg powder from [red, white and balady hen's egg] on lipid profile and liver functions in rats. Twenty four male rats were divided into four groups, [6 rats/ group], the first group [control group] fed on basal diet only. The second, the third and the fourth group fed on basal diet containing 2.5% dried white, red and balady hen's egg [substitution with casein and oil] respectively. After 6 weeks rats were sacrificing, blood was collected then centrifuged. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C and liver function were determined in serum of rats. Also, chemical determinations of total cholesterol and fatty acids were done in different types of egg. The results indicated that, the sum of MUFA and PUFA in all types of egg were higher to SFA. Red hen egg had the highest concentration of total cholesterol followed by balady while, the white hen egg recorded the lowest concentration of total cholesterol. Feeding rats with basal diet containing 2.5% powder white hen egg significantly decrease [P<0.05] serum TC and LDL-C, and numerically increase serum HDL-C, while serum triglycerides and VLDL-C were not affect with white hen egg as compared to control. In relation to red and balady hen egg, serum HDL-C was significantly decreased [P<0.05] while LDL-C was significantly increased as compared to control group, the other lipid parameters as TG, TC and VLDL-C were not changed. It could be concluded that, white egg is healthy especially for patients suffer from coronary heart disease followed balady then red hen egg. Eating eggs more frequently, up to almost daily, was not associated with an increase in lipid profile especially white hen egg. So that, a moderate egg intake [2 egg/day] should not be rigorously restricted in healthy individuals