Strategies to reduce cholesterol content in poultry eggs: an overview.

Poultry eggs are an affordable and nutrient-dense source of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients; however, the relatively high cholesterol content of egg yolk has raised persistent health concerns, particularly for populations vulnerable to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Although numerous strategies have been explored to reduce egg cholesterol, existing studies remain fragmented and often focus on isolated nutritional interventions without integrating physiological regulation, genetic background, and molecular mechanisms governing cholesterol synthesis, transport, and yolk deposition. This review provides a mechanism-based synthesis of conventional and emerging approaches for low-cholesterol designer egg production by integrating nutritional, endocrine, genetic, and omics perspectives. Peer-reviewed studies on dietary feed supplementation with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, plant bioactives, fish oil, probiotics, microalgae, and nanotechnology-based feed formulations, along with genomics and multi-omics research, were critically evaluated. Evidence indicated that most interventions reduce egg yolk cholesterol indirectly by modulating hepatic lipoprotein synthesis, intestinal sterol absorption, and lipid transport rather than directly suppressing cholesterol biosynthesis. Probiotics, microalgae, and bioactive phytochemicals demonstrate promising hypocholesterolemic effects, while omics-driven approaches offer long-term potential for genetic improvement and trait stability. Overall, egg yolk cholesterol deposition is regulated by a complex, multifactorial network involving hormonal control, lipid metabolism, and genetic determinants, underscoring the limitations of single-factor approaches. Integrated nutritional and genetic strategies therefore represent the most sustainable pathway for producing low-cholesterol “designer eggs” without compromising hen performance or egg quality, supporting public health nutrition and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals, SDG-2, SDG-3, and SDG-12.