In most people, the cholesterol from foods has a much smaller effect on their blood cholesterol level than does their intake of dietary fat.

Research shows that the body normally compensates for an increase in dietary cholesterol by reducing absorption and/or production of cholesterol. When dietary cholesterol is reduced, the body absorbs more from foods in the diet and/or produces more in the liver to maintain its cholesterol supply.

However, the primary dietary factor that increases blood cholesterol levels is excess fat.