Is 70 eggs a week too much? The definitive health guide

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Most healthy adults can safely consume up to seven eggs per week without affecting heart health, according to the Mayo Clinic. So, is 70 eggs a week too much? For virtually everyone, consuming such an excessive amount poses significant nutritional and health risks that far outweigh any potential benefits.

Quick Summary

For most individuals, eating 70 eggs a week is dangerously excessive, leading to risks like high cholesterol, digestive issues, and nutrient imbalances, as a balanced diet is crucial.

Key Points

70 Eggs is Excessive: Consuming 10 eggs per day, or 70 per week, is a dangerously high and unhealthy amount for virtually all individuals, far exceeding established dietary guidelines.
Risk of High Cholesterol: While dietary cholesterol from moderate egg intake is not a major concern for most, a massive intake can increase blood cholesterol levels, especially in individuals with risk factors for heart disease.
Nutrient Imbalance: Relying on eggs for primary nutrition leads to deficiencies in other vital nutrients like fiber, and the vitamins and minerals found in a diverse diet of fruits and vegetables.
Digestive Issues: The sheer volume of eggs consumed can cause significant gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly for those with sensitivities.
Moderation is Recommended: For healthy adults, a consumption of 1–2 eggs per day or up to seven eggs per week is generally considered safe and beneficial as part of a balanced, varied diet.
Consult a Professional: Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, should consult a doctor or dietitian to determine a safe egg intake tailored to their specific needs.

The Nutritional Profile of an Egg

Eggs are widely celebrated as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. A single large, hard-boiled egg contains about 77.5 calories, 6.3 grams of protein, and a range of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. The yolk contains cholesterol, but also vital nutrients like choline for brain health and lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. The white is primarily protein. However, the impressive nutritional density of one or two eggs does not scale to a massive daily intake.

Why 70 Eggs is Excessively High

Eating 70 eggs in a week equates to consuming 10 eggs per day. While some fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders might adopt high-egg diets for a protein boost, this level of consumption is dangerously excessive and unsustainable for the average person. A single egg provides about 7 grams of protein, so 10 eggs deliver 70 grams of protein, often pushing daily intake far beyond what is necessary. Furthermore, this heavy reliance on a single food group leads to a severe lack of dietary diversity, robbing the body of critical nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other protein sources. The sheer volume of food alone can lead to digestive discomfort, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea, particularly for individuals with egg sensitivities.

The Cholesterol Controversy Explained

For decades, eggs were feared due to their high cholesterol content, particularly in the yolk, with health experts recommending strict limits. This was based on the premise that dietary cholesterol directly raises blood cholesterol. However, research has shown that for most people, dietary cholesterol has a minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels. Instead, saturated and trans fats are greater culprits. While this has led to a more relaxed stance on moderate egg consumption, it does not give a green light to extreme intake. For people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease, dietary cholesterol can still pose risks. The massive cholesterol load from 70 eggs a week would be concerning for anyone, regardless of genetic predisposition.

Potential Health Risks of Overconsumption

Increased Risk of Heart Disease: While the link between moderate egg consumption and heart disease is debated, excessive intake of dietary cholesterol (over 300mg/day) has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in some studies. The cumulative effect of 10 eggs daily could significantly increase this risk, especially when prepared with unhealthy fats like butter or paired with processed meats.
Nutrient Imbalance: Focusing on eggs to this extent means other vital food groups are likely neglected. This can lead to a deficiency in fiber, certain vitamins, and antioxidants. The body requires a wide variety of nutrients to function optimally, which a mono-diet cannot provide.
Digestive Distress: As mentioned, the high volume of eggs can cause gastrointestinal issues. Eggs contain proteins that are resistant to denaturation and can inhibit digestive enzymes, leading to indigestion and discomfort.
Weight Gain: Eggs are relatively low in calories individually, but 70 eggs per week represents a significant caloric intake. If this is added on top of a normal diet, it can lead to unintentional weight gain.
Increased TMAO Levels: Some studies suggest that habitual, long-term egg consumption might lead to higher levels of the compound TMAO in the body. Produced by gut bacteria from nutrients like choline (abundant in eggs), TMAO has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, though research is conflicting and more study is needed.

The Importance of Dietary Diversity

While eggs are nutritious, no single food should dominate a diet. A balanced eating plan is built on a variety of foods to ensure a complete spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds. Healthy protein alternatives include lean meats, fish, legumes, and nuts. Incorporating these foods prevents reliance on any one source and supports overall wellness. Eggs are best enjoyed as part of a varied and balanced diet. BBC Good Food

Egg Consumption: Healthy vs. Excessive


Aspect	Healthy Consumption (1-7 eggs/week)	Excessive Consumption (70 eggs/week)
Nutritional Impact	Provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.	Creates severe nutrient imbalances and deficiencies.
Heart Health	Not associated with increased risk for most healthy people.	Potentially increases cardiovascular risk, especially for certain individuals.
Dietary Diversity	Easily incorporated into a varied, balanced diet.	Leads to reliance on a single food source, displacing other vital foods.
Digestive System	No issues for most; easily digestible when cooked properly.	Can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort due to sheer volume.
Weight Management	Can aid satiety and weight management due to protein content.	High caloric intake can contribute to significant, unhealthy weight gain.

The Verdict: A Balanced Approach is Key

Ultimately, the question of "is 70 eggs a week too much?" has a clear answer: yes, for nearly every individual. While eggs are a nutritious and valuable part of a healthy diet, moderation and balance are essential. The body thrives on variety, not on a single food, no matter how nutrient-dense it is. If you have concerns about your egg intake or a pre-existing health condition, consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is the best course of action to determine a safe and appropriate consumption level for your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, eating 10 eggs a day is not safe or advisable for a healthy person. This level of consumption is excessively high and can lead to significant nutritional imbalances, digestive problems, and other health risks over time.

For most healthy adults without underlying health conditions, up to seven eggs per week is considered a safe and moderate amount, according to organizations like the Mayo Clinic.

For the majority of healthy people, eating eggs in moderation does not significantly raise blood cholesterol levels. However, those with pre-existing heart disease or diabetes may need to limit their intake and consult a doctor.

Side effects of eating too many eggs can include digestive discomfort (gas, bloating), nutrient deficiencies due to a lack of dietary diversity, potential weight gain from high calorie intake, and a possible increased risk of heart disease in susceptible individuals.

Egg yolks contain most of the eggs' vitamins and beneficial compounds like choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin. While egg whites are a cholesterol-free, low-calorie protein source, avoiding the yolk means missing out on many health benefits. It's generally best to consume the whole egg in moderation.

Excessive intake of eggs, often alongside other high-cholesterol and high-saturated-fat foods, has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease in some studies. Moderation is key, especially for people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

For a healthy diet, enjoy eggs in moderation (1-2 per day for most people), cooked simply (e.g., boiled or poached), and as part of a diverse meal that includes plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and other protein sources.