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Abstract
The maternal diet is believed to influence infant health, as does diet in early life following the introduction of solid foods. Eggs, commonly available and low in cost, contain nutrients that may be of benefit during pregnancy as well as during weaning. Key nutrients include vitamin D, folate, iodine, selenium and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids). Data from a recent nutritional analysis of eggs are presented and put in context with dietary reference values for the UK. The safety aspects of eggs, including food safety and allergy, are also discussed.
Keywords
Allergy, diet and nutrition, eggs, food safety, infants, omega-3 fatty acids, pregnancy, vitamin D, weaning
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Aims and intended learning outcomes
The aim of this article is to describe the nutritional benefits of eggs for pregnant women and for infants who are being introduced to solid foods. Specific nutrients found in eggs are discussed and put into context alongside recommended intakes, and the role of these nutrients in maternal and infant health. After reading this article and completing the time out activities you should be able to:
* Summarise the nutritional content of eggs, and understand how and why their composition has changed over the years.
* Describe the health advantages of including eggs in the diet of pregnant women and infants.
* Advise on food safety and allergy issues.
Introduction
Pregnancy and weaning are life stages at which a healthy, balanced diet is important, not only for promoting growth and development, but also for minimising potential harm, for example exposure to dietary toxins or teratogenic substances. The physical changes that occur during pregnancy make demands on the nutritional status of the mother, although many of these are met by maternal adaptations, such as increased nutrient absorption or reduced excretion (Derbyshire 2011a). The energy cost of pregnancy amounts to only 200kcal per day, a level easily met by increased energy intake or reduced physical activity (Department of Health (DH) 1991). During pregnancy, there is an increased requirement for nutrients including protein,...