Boiled, scrambled or poached? However you like your eggs, one thing's for certain - they make a nutritious addition to any meal. Now a new study suggests they may also benefit young children by preventing stunted growth.
According to a new study, led by Lora Iannotti from the Brown School at Washington University, St Louis, feeding one egg per day for six months to young children could reduce stunted growth.
In a randomised, controlled trial, the researchers fed half of participants (children aged 6-9 months) an egg a day and found that the children who ate eggs had a much higher length and weight for age scores than those who didn't eat the eggs. In fact, they discovered an egg a day reduced the likelihood of stunted growth by 47% and the prevalence of being underweight by 74%. All allergic reactions were closely monitored in the stud, but no incidents were reported.
It is worth noting that the study specifically focused on children from Ecuador, South America – an area where a quarter of children experience stunted growth. Despite this, the team says that incorporating eggs in to the diets of younger children is a simple and purse-friendly way to encourage healthy growth.
According to Medical News Today Lora Iannotti said:
"Eggs can be affordable and easily accessible. They are also a good source of nutrients for growth and development in young children. Eggs have the potential to contribute to reduced growth stunting around the world."
Eggs can be given to babies over six months old, according to the NHS, but it's advised to make sure they're cooked until both the white and yolk are solid.
We asked Bridget Benelam Nutrition Communications Manager at the British Nutrition Foundation for her thoughts:
"The study found that providing an egg per day for infants aged 6-9 months seemed to be effective in reducing levels of stunting, compared to not providing any additional foods. While malnutrition is not as big a concern in the UK as it is in some developing countries, it's still very important for young children to get all the essential nutrients they need and to learn to like a range of foods. Eggs are a source of vitamins A and D, B vitamins, iodine, selenium and phosphorus as well as omega 3s - and so eggs can make a helpful contribution to nutrient intakes as part of a varied and balanced diet."
The research was published in the journal Pediatrics.