How eggs can help make your baby healthier and smarter

New publications have linked the intake of eggs by babies to healthy brain development, showcasing the nutritional importance of egg consumption.

According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,  eggs are valuable for healthy neurological development due to the high amounts of choline that they contain. Choline is a nutrient which serves critical nutritional support for brain development throughout one’s lifetime.

“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, the 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.”

Choline is a nutrient often under-consumed by the general population said Dr Mickey Rubin, the executive director of the AEB 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.”

The Guideline has recommended that eggs should be introduced early in childhood development and that the early introduction of eggs can also serve to reduce the chances of developing an egg allergy.

Eggs contain a variety of important nutrients, critical for development at any age. Eggs provide nutrients such as biotin, protein, iodine, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. These nutrients are important for supporting bone health, muscle health and brain development.

For a list of exciting egg recipes for you and your family, head over to our recipe page, where you’re sure to find something to tempt your tastebuds.