Cholesterol 'Nutrient of Concern' No More? Here's Why

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recently issued a decision that could possibly alter the health guidelines crafted for almost four decades as it now disclosed that cholesterol need not be considered a "nutrient of concern" any longer, as reported by The Washington Post.

The widely known health advisory panel of the United States, which is in charge of evaluating the national dietary guidelines, made the decision to let go of the warning against cholesterol-laden food. This was announced at a meeting held by the committee last December, where they discussed the feasibility of eliminating cholesterol from the list of high health risks.

However, it was clarified that the decision is not a reversal of the earlier cautions against high levels of "bad cholesterol." This nutrient has been widely known as the major contributing factor to heart disease and other health concerns.

A report on the said decision will soon be provided to the public. This will be used as the reference of the federal government in formulating dietary standards. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) remarked that the agency will not be providing any comment on the matter prior to the publication of the said guidelines.

"The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is currently finalizing its report to the federal government detailing its scientific recommendations," announced the HHS.

The report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee will be reviewed by both the HHS and the Department of Agriculture of the United States. The two departments will then determine which portions of the recommended guideline will be integrated in the final version of the dietary standards.

The effects brought about by this decision is extensive. The results of the deliberation, and the subsequent submission of the report by the committee signify potential changes in the American diet. This could affect various aspects of society such as the dishes included in school meals and the manner by which the advertisers will market their products.

However, Marion Nestle, a professor of Nutrition at New York University, commented that the public should just "wait and see what the committee actually says" before speaking out for or against the report. This set of guidelines will be due by the end of 2015.

Prior to this decision, the most recent set of standards was released in 2010. According to the said guidelines, people should only eat less than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol per day. This amount is equivalent to the cholesterol found in one egg.