Eggs are a perennial breakfast favorite, but concerns that they may raise cholesterol levels and threaten heart health cause many older adults to leave eggs off their morning menus.

But results from a recent trial conducted at the Duke Clinical Research Institute offer better news for egg lovers. They showed that, after a four-month period, cholesterol levels were similar among participants who ate fortified eggs most days of the week compared to those who ate none or very few.

While all eggs are a good source of protein and dietary cholesterol, this trial focused on fortified eggs, which contain less saturated fat than regular eggs and provide added vitamins and minerals. Popular fortified egg brands include Eggland’s Best, Organic Valley and Vital Farms along with many individual store brands.

The trial’s goal was to measure the impact of eating eggs on both the HDL and LDL cholesterol levels of 140 patients over age 50. All had either been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or were at high risk for heart issues. Some participants were randomly assigned to eat 12 or more fortified eggs a week, cooked however they chose, during the trial period; those in the “control” group ate two eggs or less (fortified or not) per week.

After four months, blood tests actually showed very slight decreases in both HDL “good” cholesterol and LDL “bad” cholesterol in those who ate a dozen eggs per week. While these decreases weren’t statistically significant, the researchers said their results suggest that eating 12 fortified eggs each week has no adverse effect on blood cholesterol.

“…There’s been a lot of conflicting information about whether or not eggs are safe to eat, especially for people who have or are at risk for heart disease,” said Nina Nouhravesh, M.D., the study’s lead author. “This is a small study, but it gives us reassurance that eating fortified eggs is OK with regard to lipid effects over four months, even among a more high-risk population.”

Nouhravesh added that one factor behind eggs’ bad reputation could be the less heart-healthy foods people are eating along with them – such as buttered toast and bacon. She said it’s a good idea for people with heart disease to talk with their doctors about the components of a heart-healthy diet.