Topic: Industry

Make Every Bite Count – Information & Resources for Healthcare Professionals to Share with New Parents

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date July 7, 2021

Katie Hayes, RDN

June 18, 2021

Eggs Across the Lifespan

Nutritious Dietary Patterns

At the Egg Nutrition Center, we commend Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and their unwavering commitment to science as they make practical recommendations to their patients and clients. Staying abreast of current evidence is critical as HCPs craft their guidance and education.

In order to help HCPs offer their patients and clients comprehensive information on eggs as a first food for growth and development, allergy risk reduction, and feeding tips, we created “Make Every Bite Count” booklets (download here) and a poster (download here) that can be printed and shared. Why is this information important to share with parents and caregivers? Keep reading!

The newly released 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include recommendations for birth to 24 months old, and specifically recommend eggs as an important first food for infants and toddlers, as well as for pregnant women and lactating moms.¹ This historic recommendation, coupled with the evolving evidence about infant feeding and allergen guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, arms practitioners with a clear message, “Parents can make every bite count by feeding eggs as a fundamental first food.”

In 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their policy on the introduction of potentially allergenic complementary foods. Feeding common food allergens, such as eggs, when a baby is developmentally ready (between 4-6 months) may actually reduce the chances of developing an allergy to that food.²

Additionally, in their 2018 policy statement advocating for improving nutrition in the first 1,000 days, the AAP stated: “Although all nutrients are necessary for brain growth, key nutrients that support neurodevelopment include protein; zinc; iron; choline; folate; iodine; vitamins A, D, B6, and B12; and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Failure to provide key nutrients during this critical period of brain development may result in lifelong deficits in brain function despite subsequent nutrient repletion.”³

Eggs are affordable, accessible, and versatile. Eggs contain various amounts of all the nutrients listed by the AAP as essential for brain growth, including being an excellent source of choline, which plays a vital role in neurocognition during the first 1,000 days of life. With 90% of brain growth happening before kindergarten, eggs help make every bite count, especially when babies are just being introduced to solid foods. These recommendations confirm what the science has shown: eggs provide critical nutritional support for brain health, and they play a crucial role in infant development and prenatal health. Just one large egg provides the daily choline needs for babies and toddlers, and two large eggs provide more than half of daily choline needs for lactating moms.

Eggs are a nutrient-dense powerhouse. They provide an excellent source of vitamin B12, biotin, iodine, selenium, and choline; a good source of high-quality protein, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid; as well as the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.⁴

For more information and shareable handouts, videos, and more visit our materials page.

REFERENCES

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 9th Edition. December 2020.
Greer, F.R., S.H. Sicherer, and A.W. Burks, The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Hydrolyzed Formulas, and Timing of Introduction of Allergenic Complementary Foods. Pediatrics, 2019. 143(4).
Schwarzenberg SJ, Georgieff MK. Advocacy for Improving Nutrition in the First 1000 Days to Support Childhood Development and Adult Health. Pediatrics, 2018. 141(2)
U.S. Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central. 2019; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html.

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FREE Class: First Steps to FEEDing Your Baby

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date June 15, 2021

Nutrients in Eggs

To view the recorded class click here.

Handouts associated with the class can be accessed here and here.

Once you have viewed the recorded class, please fill out this short survey.

Do you work with new parents or caregivers looking for information on how to introduce solid foods to babies? Or maybe your family has welcomed a new addition and you’d like a refresher on “nutrition for baby” 101? Egg Enthusiasts and Registered Dietitians Sara Haas and Lara Field of FEED Nutrition Counseling discuss the basics of feeding babies in this free class. Lara breaks down the science of feeding new babies and provides expert tips on when and how to start solid foods, while Sara brings the conversation to the kitchen and shows how to put these concepts into practice.

Feel free to share this on-demand class with your clients and audiences!

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2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans – AEB Press Release

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date December 29, 2020

New Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eggs for the nutrition babies need for brain development
Parents can make every bite count by feeding eggs as a fundamental first food

CHICAGO (Dec. 29, 2020) – One of the best foods for a baby’s healthy brain development is already in most refrigerators: eggs. In an historic first, the newly released 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include recommendations for birth to 24 months old and specifically recommend eggs as an important first food for infants and toddlers, as well as for pregnant women and lactating moms.

The new Guidelines substantiate that eggs — long known to be a vital source of nutrients for people of all ages — provide several key nutrients important for babies during the time in which their brains are most rapidly developing. Notably, the Guidelines highlight the importance of choline, a nutrient plentiful in eggs, while recommending eggs as a first food for babies to reduce risk for an egg allergy.

“The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans confirm what the science has shown: eggs provide critical nutritional support for brain health, and they play a crucial role in infant development and prenatal health,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “With 90% of brain growth happening before kindergarten, eggs help make every bite count, especially when babies are just being introduced to solid foods.”

As a fundamental first food for babies, eggs are one of the most concentrated sources of choline, a nutrient that has now been recognized as important for brain health. Just one large egg provides the daily choline needs for babies and toddlers, and two large eggs provide more than half of daily choline needs for pregnant moms. Additionally, early introduction of eggs (between 4-6 months of age and when a baby is developmentally ready) may also help reduce the risk of developing an egg allergy.

“As a nutrition scientist and a dad, I know this is important news for parents,” said Dr. Mickey Rubin, executive director of the American Egg Board’s Egg Nutrition Center. “Choline is a nutrient under-consumed by all Americans, and the Guidelines recommend eggs as a notable source of choline to support brain health and development during pregnancy. Additionally, establishing healthy eating patterns from the start ensures children’s growing bodies and brains get the nutrition they need. Eggs are a fundamental food in these early years because they provide a unique nutrient package.”

Eggs: Good for baby — and the rest of us, too

Eggs qualify for all three healthy eating patterns recommended in the new Guidelines, and the Guidelines also affirm that eggs, as a nutrient-dense food, can contribute to the health and well-being of Americans of all ages in several ways, including:

Important nutrients for teenagers: The Guidelines encourage eggs for pre-teens and adolescents, especially girls, because of the protein and choline they provide.
Muscle repair and bone health: The high-quality protein in eggs helps maintain and repair muscle while supporting bone health.
B12 for older adults: Older adults are at nutritional risk for not getting enough protein and vitamin B12, which eggs provide as a good source.
Natural source of vitamin D: Americans do not get enough vitamin D, for which eggs, as one of the few natural food sources, provide 6% of the daily recommendation.

Learn more about how eggs, as a nutrient-dense food, support babies’ healthy brain development and contribute to health and well-being at every age and life stage. Find family-friendly recipes and advice about introducing eggs to your youngest family members at EggNutritionCenter.org.

Food Allergen Introduction to Infants, DGAS: Both Evolve with Science

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date December 3, 2020

Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD

December 3, 2020

Eggs Across the Lifespan

Key Messages

Evidence supports the early introduction of infant- safe peanut foods and eggs starting as early as
4 to 6 months of age to reduce the risk of allergies to these foods. “Early and often” is the mantra for when to feed babies potential allergens.
Infants with severe eczema or an existing food allergy are considered at risk for developing food allergies and the introduction of potential allergens should first be discussed with a healthcare provider.

For those of us who monitor research for evidence-based clinical practice, changes in recommendations are inevitable. As any area of health and nutrition is researched, experts evolve their practice as new things are learned. Yet, every time there are big changes in clinical guidelines, it takes time for those changes to become the standard of care. For the latest recommendations on early feeding of potentially allergenic foods, this is certainly the case. To understand the latest recommendations for feeding peanut foods as early as 4 to 6 months and egg and other allergens within the first year, we need to understand how we got here.

In the late 1990s, pediatricians and researchers noticed a troubling increase in the rates of food allergies in children. Because of this increase, experts including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended withholding potential allergens from high-risk infants for one, two or three years in guidance released in 2000.¹However, in 2008, these recommendations were rescinded because the evidence did not support withholding as a means to prevent food allergies.²Meanwhile, researchers began trying to unravel the mystery of how early diet may influence the development, or protect against, food allergy development. Here are some of the groundbreaking studies that have shaped current guidelines.

In 2008, Du Toit, et al. reported that Jewish children in the United Kingdom who did not eat peanut foods in the first year had a 10-fold higher rate of peanut allergy than those in Israel, whose mothers fed them high quantities of a peanut-containing weaning food.³
In 2015, the Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) allergies trial included 640 infants at high risk for peanut allergies (severe eczema and/or egg allergy), half of whom ate peanut foods early (starting between 4 to 11 months) and half of whom did not. At the end of 5 years, researchers found that those infants who started early had up to an 86% reduced risk of developing a peanut allergy.⁴
In 2016, the Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) study released results from 1,303 breastfed infants who either began to eat six commonly allergenic foods (peanut, egg, cow’s milk, sesame, whitefish, and wheat) starting at 3 months of age or introduced these foods according to standard recommendations. The EAT study proved that introducing potential allergens early was safe, but participants had trouble incorporating all of the allergenic foods in the full quantities. Those who did adhere to the protocol had lower rates of any food allergy.⁵
In the PETIT study published in 2017, a randomized controlled trial where 147 high-risk infants (with severe eczema) were randomized to eat heated egg powder in a two-step introduction.⁶The results showed that early introduction of baked egg protein reduces the risk of egg allergy in participants and the study was stopped early because of such significant results.
In 2020, the CHILD study, which followed 2,669 children from birth to 3 years, showed that delaying introduction of peanut, egg, or milk past 12 months resulted in a significant increase in the risk for developing allergies to these foods.⁷

Following the release of the LEAP study, an international consensus was published about the early introduction of peanut foods.⁸This consensus was followed by clinical guidelines published by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease recommending the introduction of peanut foods as early as 4 to 6 months, based on infant risk.⁹In 2019, the AAP released revised recommendations to include the latest advice for 10 introducing peanuts and other allergens.¹⁰Finally, the 2020 US Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee reviewed all of the research and made their recommendation – feed babies a varied diet, with strong evidence for inclusion of peanut and moderate evidence for inclusion of egg to reduce the risk of allergy to these foods.¹¹After decades of confusion about the influence of early feeding, we finally have research that helps navigate this important time. At least for peanut and egg, we now know that these foods should be eaten early and often.

Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD is a metro-Atlanta based registered dietitian nutritionist and expert in food allergies. Coleman Collins works as a consultant for National Peanut Board. She can be found on social media as @PeanutRD on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo credit: Kenan Hill

REFERENCES

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Enjoying Eggs with Infants, Toddlers and the Whole Family

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date December 1, 2020

Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT

December 4, 2020

Eggs Across the Lifespan

Nutritious Dietary Patterns

The Egg Nutrition Center partnered with Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT to write this blog post.

The process of introducing solid foods to babies can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but starting with nutrient-rich foods and simple family-friendly recipes can help take the stress away. Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats like avocado and olive oil, as well as proteins like meat, fish and eggs are all good options for first foods. Eggs in particular, which are classified as a nutrient-dense food by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), are easy, versatile and budget-friendly, making them an option parents can feel good about serving.

Not only are eggs a nutritional powerhouse for adults, but because they offer essential nutrients for growth and development, the DGAC recommended eggs as foundational first food for infants and toddlers as well. Plus, eggs provide various amounts of all the nutrients listed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as essential for brain health, including choline, vitamin B12, and protein. Choline, an essential nutrient for brain health and development, is often under consumed by adults and children alike. The Adequate Intake (AI) for choline is 125-150mg daily for babies and 200mg for toddlers up to 3 years old. Just one large egg contains about 150mg of choline to meet those needs!

On top of the nutritional benefits, the DGAC highlighted that early introduction of eggs has been shown to reduce the risk of egg allergies later in life. The Advisory Committee affirmed that current research indicates that introducing peanut and egg, in an age-appropriate form, in the first year of life (>4 months) may reduce the risk of allergy to peanut and eggs. For other potentially allergenic foods, the DGAC reported there is no evidence that avoiding such foods in the first year of life is beneficial.

When it comes to serving eggs to babies, toddlers and young children, think beyond simple scrambled or hard-boiled eggs (though those are great too!) by offering up a variety of nutritious and delicious ways to enjoy eggs. For babies, easy-to-grab options like Banana Pumpkin Pancakes, Avocado and Banana Muffins, and Broccoli and Cauliflower Quinoa Bites are eggcellent choices. Once eggs and peanut-containing foods have been introduced and tolerated, it’s essential to continue offering these foods on a regular basis. This simple Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Souffle is a tasty way for parents to include both eggs and peanuts in one easy recipe.

For toddlers and older kids, get creative with family-friendly recipes that are nourishing and fun for everyone. Getting children involved in the cooking process by creating joyful experiences can help build their confidence and increase the likelihood of trying more new and different foods. Let your kids pick from options like Hawaiian Scrambled Egg Pizza, Baked Cheesy Pasta with Broccoli and Pear, and Pizza Granola Bars. Not only are eggs nutritious and delicious, but they are an affordable and easy way to nourish family members of all ages, from infants and babies to adolescents and adults.

REFERENCES

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Easy Ways to Enjoy Eggs During Pregnancy

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date November 19, 2020

Jessica Ivey, RDN, LDN

November 19, 2020

Nutrition Across the Lifespan

Nutrients in Eggs

The Egg Nutrition Center partnered with Jessica Ivey, RDN, LDN to write this blog post.

During pregnancy, good nutrition is as important as ever, but with the accompanying symptoms (hello fatigue and nausea!), it can be a challenge to prepare and consume nutritious meals throughout the day. Fortunately, eggs are a naturally nutrient-rich food that are convenient and easy to prepare for any meal or snack.

Why Eat Eggs During Pregnancy

Eggs provide eight essential nutrients, including those that are critical during pregnancy like high-quality protein, Vitamin B12, iodine and choline.¹ Choline plays a vital role in brain health throughout our lives but it is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women.^2,3 During pregnancy, choline helps the baby’s brain and spinal cord develop properly and helps to prevent birth defects.⁴ New research shows that consuming adequate choline during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can improve measures of brain function in babies and may have lasting benefits on brain development and health.^5,6,7 Unfortunately, about 90% of Americans and 92% of pregnant women fail to meet the daily Adequate Intake level for choline.^8,9 The daily recommended intake for choline is 450 mg/day for pregnant women and 550 mg/day for breastfeeding women.¹⁰ Eggs are one of the most concentrated food sources of choline in the American diet, with two large eggs providing more than half of a pregnant woman’s daily needs.¹¹In fact, it’s quite difficult to reach the Adequate Intake levels for choline without consuming eggs or taking a supplement.

Egg Food Safety During Pregnancy

Food safety is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for expectant moms. Cooking eggs until the yolks and whites are firm and cooking egg dishes, like quiche, until the internal temperature reaches 160˚F will kill any possible Salmonella bacteria. Consider enjoying your eggs hard-boiled instead of soft boiled and over hard instead of over-easy during pregnancy. In addition to safe preparation, be sure to wash your hands after handling raw eggs. To enjoy a favorite recipe that calls for raw eggs, like homemade Caesar dressing or raw cookie dough, purchase pasteurized eggs.¹²

Easy Ways to Enjoy Eggs

Eggs can quickly and easily be prepared in a variety of ways for any snack or meal. Here are some recipe ideas:

Egg Sandwich: Eggs are the perfect anchor for a sandwich. Try this Pesto and Egg Grilled Cheese for a balanced meal and feel free to add any veggies you prefer (tomato and spinach leaves are great additions).
Microwave Scrambles: Wash one less dish by preparing scrambled eggs in the microwave. This easy Microwave Coffee Cup Scramble is ready in just minutes and pairs well with whole-grain toast and fruit. Add a whole wheat tortilla and sausage for this Microwave Egg, Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Tortilla. With a variation on this technique, you can even make a Microwave Mexican Omelet without heating up your stove.

One of my favorite ways to make mealtimes easier is to prep in advance. Set aside some time to make one of these recipes to enjoy later:

Make-Ahead and Freeze: Frittatas and egg muffins are perfect for making in advance and freezing in individual portions for future meals. These Veggie Frittata Fingers and Veggie and Cheddar Crustless Quiche provide a boost of protein along with colorful vegetables.
Begin with Boiled Eggs: Easy-Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs are great to have on hand and can be refrigerated in the shell for up to one week. Use them in this Classic Egg Salad, Fresh Arugula and Couscous Salad, or on Easy Egg and Avocado Toast. To make the toast, mash half an avocado with a splash of lemon or lime juice, spread over one slice of whole-grain toast, and top with a sliced hard-boiled egg and a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning – like everything bagel seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.

Eggs aren’t just for breakfast! Make eggs the star of any meal for a quick and easy protein source.

Tacos: Egg tacos are a go-to when you’d prefer not to spend a long time standing over the stove. Serve Scrambled Egg Tacos with Cilantro Lime Drizzle or Breakfast Tacos with Avocado Spread and Scrambled Eggs for a crowd-pleasing Taco Tuesday dinner.
Flatbread or Pizza: As impressive as it is easy, Pear Spinach and Egg Flatbread is ideal for a quick lunch, while Hawaiian Scrambled Egg Pizzas are a family-friendly option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

No matter how you enjoy them, eggs are a nutritious option during pregnancy and beyond. They provide essential nutrients for mom and baby and are affordable and easy to prepare. What more could one want?

REFERENCES

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How the Nutrients in Eggs can Support Healthy Aging

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date October 20, 2020

Jen Houchins, PhD

October 26, 2018

Nutrients in Eggs

Eggs Across the Lifespan

The Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee indicates that older adults may be at risk for low intake of protein and vitamin B₁₂.¹ Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein and an excellent source of vitamin B₁₂, as well as nutrients that are underconsumed by the entire population including choline (25% DV in a large egg) and vitamin D (6% DV in a large egg). Further, eggs provide 252 mcg of lutein + zeaxanthin, carotenoids strongly associated with health outcomes throughout the lifespan.² These are examples of nutrients that are particularly important during aging:

High-quality protein: ”New evidence shows that older adults need more dietary protein than younger adults to support good health…and make up for age-related changes in protein metabolism…”³ Eggs provide 6 grams of protein (12% DV) with all the essential amino acids needed to help maintain healthy muscle.

Choline: Choline, a nutrient critical for cell structural integrity and signaling, is also important for maintenance of health in older adults. New research is exploring how choline throughout life may have lasting effects on cognition,^4,5 and one study found moderate egg consumption may have a beneficial association with certain areas of cognitive performance in middle-age to older adults.⁶

Vitamin B₁₂: This nutrient is important for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis, and many older adults do not consume enough. Vitamin B₁₂ is naturally present in animal-sourced foods or may be obtained from fortified foods. Large eggs provide 20% DV vitamin B₁₂.

Lutein + Zeaxanthin: The accumulation of lutein + zeaxanthin in the macula of the eye (macular pigment optical density (MPOD)) has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration,⁷ the leading cause of vision loss for Americans aged 65 years and older. Research in older adults has also shown MPOD is related to cognitive function in older people.^8,9 A large egg provides 252 mcg of bioavailable lutein + zeaxanthin.

Vitamin D: Eggs are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D (6% DV per large egg). Together with calcium, vitamin D helps maintain bone health, but most Americans do not consume enough.

Eggs are nutrient-dense, providing many essential nutrients for relatively few calories—the nutritional equivalent of ‘bang for your buck.’ The value of eggs within a healthy diet pattern for older adults was reflected in a recent science advisory published by the AHA which reported, “…given the nutritional benefits and convenience of eggs, consumption of up to 2 eggs per day is acceptable within the context of a heart-healthy diet pattern.”¹⁰ For easy ways to incorporate eggs into the diet, see ENC’s Busy Lifestyles toolkit and new ways to Put and Egg on It. Hungry for more? Check out these easy and nutritious meals:

REFERENCES

Dietary Guideliens Advisory Committee. Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee: Advisory Report to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. 2020; Available from: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/ScientificReport_of_the_2020DietaryGuidelinesAdvisoryCommittee_first-print.pdf.
Ranard, K.M., et al., Dietary guidance for lutein: consideration for intake recommendations is scientifically supported. Eur J Nutr, 2017. 56(Suppl 3): p. 37-42.
Bauer, J., et al., Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people: a position paper from the PROT-AGE Study Group. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 2013. 14(8): p. 542-59.
Poly, C., et al., The relation of dietary choline to cognitive performance and white-matter hyperintensity in the Framingham Offspring Cohort. Am J Clin Nutr, 2011. 94(6): p. 1584-91.
Ylilauri, M.P.T., et al., Associations of dietary choline intake with risk of incident dementia and with cognitive performance: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Am J Clin Nutr, 2019.Intern Med. 2010;170(9):821-827.
Ylilauri, M.P., et al., Association of dietary cholesterol and egg intakes with the risk of incident dementia or Alzheimer disease: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Am J Clin Nutr, 2017. 105(2): p. 476-484.
Mares, J., Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers in Eye Health and Disease. Annu Rev Nutr, 2016. 36: p. 571-602.
Vishwanathan, R., et al., Macular pigment optical density is related to cognitive function in older people. Age Ageing, 2014. 43(2): p. 271-5.
Wallace, T.C., A Comprehensive Review of Eggs, Choline, and Lutein on Cognition Across the Life-span. J Am Coll Nutr, 2018. 37(4): p. 269-285.
Carson, J.A.S., et al., Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 2019: p. Cir0000000000000743.

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Eggs: Meeting Nutrients of Public Health Concern

Post author By Tina Gowin Carlucci
Post date September 9, 2020

Stacey Mattinson, MS, RDN, LD

September 14, 2020

Diet and Health

Nutritious Dietary Patterns

The Egg Nutrition Center partnered with Stacey Mattinson, MS, RDN, LD to write this blog post.

The 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report was recently released with some egg-citing findings! Eggs remain a top pick for your table as a naturally nutrient-rich choice. Importantly, eggs are a source of five nutrients of public health concern or nutrients that pose special challenges: iodine, choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D and protein.^1,2 As practitioners, we know the best way to bring our patients nutrition news they can use is dishing up information about foods they can add to their plates for optimal health. In this case, that means encouraging eggs across all life stages.

Choline

Choline was identified as a nutrient under consumed by the entire population. While 90% of all Americans don’t consume enough, choline intake is of particular concern for infants, and pregnant and lactating women.¹ Choline is an essential micronutrient that plays important roles in human metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, fetal brain development and overall brain health, among other functions.^3,4 Eggs have one of the highest amounts choline of any food, with one large egg providing 150 mg of choline or 33% of the Adequate Intake (AI) for a pregnant woman.⁵ Remember to keep the yolk – it’s where all the choline is concentrated!

New eaters might love these Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, Chocolate Chip Pancake Poppers, Savory Egg Veggie Pancakes, and many other recipes in our Kid-Friendly recipe collection!

Iodine

Iodine was noted as an under consumed food component of public health concern for pregnant or lactating women. Iodine needs increase by more than 50% during pregnancy to meet fetal needs for growth and neurological development.¹ Eggs are an excellent source of iodine, with one large egg providing 28 mcg of iodine or 20% of the daily value.

For lactating women, both iodine and choline amounts in breastmilk can be increased by maternal increase in intake.¹

Are your pregnant patients craving starchy foods? Have them try this Easy Microwave Ramen with Eggs!
Nursing moms can make this Microwave Egg, Canadian Bacon & Cheese Muffin one-handed!
Busy parents can meal prep these Make-Ahead Freezer Breakfast Burritos for heat-and-eat meals in a pinch.

Protein

Protein was noted as a nutrient that poses special health challenges and is under consumed by adolescent girls (ages 9-14) and older adults. Protein is the basic building block for life, with roles as enzymes, the basis of all muscle contraction and mobility, and is the second largest source of stored energy in the body.⁴ Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein with 6 grams of protein per large egg. Of particular importance for older adults, eggs are a very economical source of protein. And because of the nutritional benefits and convenience of eggs, the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee noted that consumption of up to 2 eggs per day is acceptable within the context of a heart-healthy dietary pattern for older healthy individuals.

School-aged kids go wild for these Egg Pita Snackers or this Pasta Carbonara.
A Vegetable Quiche is simple to make and great for older adults to eat from for a few days!

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that poses special health challenges again for adolescent girls and older adults. Similar to protein, changes in metabolism may generate special needs for vitamin B12 among older adults.¹ For adolescent girls, a major challenge is low intake of foods rich in vitamin B12.¹ Vitamin B12 has important roles in red blood cell formation and neurological function. Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B12, providing 0.5 mcg or 20% of the daily value per large egg.

Busy families love this Easy Egg Breakfast Quesadilla recipe and these make-ahead Caprese Egg Muffins.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient of public health concern for all ages as it is under consumed by much of the population. Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health, among other roles.⁷ Eggs are one of the few foods that are a naturally-occurring source of vitamin D, with 6% daily value provided from one large egg.

For dinner, try this Sliced Egg Avocado Toast with White Fish, Poached Salmon with Brussels Sprouts Slaw or this Eggs and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner.

Breaking down the science of meeting nutrition needs into bite-sized pieces is both delicious and simple when eggs are on the table as a nutrient-rich choice!