Washington D.C, Dec 23: Parents' please-take-note! Just one egg a day given to babies aged between six and nine months for six months, may boost their brain development, a new research suggests.
According to researchers, one egg increases a child's choline and DHA levels, both of which are significant for brain health.
Eggs deliver their nutrients in a holistic package, or "food matrix," which improves absorption and metabolism, they explained.
Lead author Lora Iannotti from the Brown School at Washington University said that like milk or seeds, eggs are designed to support early growth and development of an organism and, therefore, are dense in nutrient content.
"Eggs provide essential fatty acids, proteins, choline, vitamins A and B12, selenium and other critical nutrients at levels above or comparable to those found in other animal food products, but they are relatively more affordable," Iannotti added.
The team analysed 163 babies aged between six and nine months from Ecuador in South America in 2015.
About 80 babies were fed with one egg a day for six months, while the remainder was given none.
Their vitamin and mineral levels were assessed via blood tests and eggs are designed to support early growth and development.
The results revealed that babies who eat eggs have significantly higher levels of choline and DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, both of which play a vital role in brain development and function.
Iannotti stated, "Eggs have been consumed throughout human history, but the full potential of this nutritionally-complete food has yet to be recognised in many resource-poor settings around the world."
Compared to other foods, eggs are relatively affordable and more nutritious, they noted.
The findings were reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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