Daily egg intake ‘ll improve children nutrition

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged Nigerians, especially children to consume eggs daily because it is rich in essential nutrients.

PAN President Dr Ayoola Oduntan, who spoke in Lagos at the World Egg Day (WED) with the theme: “Benefits of an egg a day for the Nigerian child,” said regular consumption of eggs will reduce malnourishment in children.

Moreover, people who are denied egg as part of their daily nutrients are losing.

“So, failure to consume egg daily may have a huge negative impact on the nutritional health of vulnerable group (expectant mothers and children),” he said.

Quoting the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), it said, no fewer than 1.7 million Nigerian under-five children are severely malnourished. This, he said, accounts for 10 per cent of the world total of malnourished children.

He said regular consumption of eggs will help to address some nutritional challenges.

Oduntan identified egg as God’s natural pill that can conquer hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, adding that it contains the best proteins,vitamins and minerals.

Besides, it contains naturally occurring vitamin D, useful for calcium and phosphorus absorption for strong bones and teeth.

“Egg contains other very important nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin A and E, folate, riboflavin, choline and lutein. Eggs are the best follow up to breast milk in children as it contains the richest mix of essential amino acids. It contains the perfect combination of protein, 12 vitamins and 12 minerals,” Oduntan said.

He said egg helps to regulate the brain, nervous and cardiovascular system because one egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline to support memory and mental capacity.

Director-General of the association, Onallo Akpa said eggs for breakfast assist dieters to lose weight because of the feeling of fullness or satisfaction it stimulates.

He said some studies conducted across the world showed that egg may prevent breast cancer, as women who consume at least six eggs per week reduce their risk of breast cancer by 44 per cent. It also prevents ageing of the skin and helps to increase the red blood cell count in infants as well as aiding their brain development.

“Eggs are best brain and body food for expectant mothers, their unborn children and lactating mothers. Egg improves a child’s concentration level, attention span and scholarly performance for ‘eggcellent’ grades.”

He continued: “In March, 2002, the American Heart Association guidelines were charged to allow an egg per day into the average healthy American diet thereby ending the Association’s 30 years old campaign that limited egg consumption to three eggs per week.

“In the same light, the Harvard School of Public Health published that moderate egg consumption which is defined as one egg per day is not associated with increased risk of heart disease and does not have a negative impact on cholesterol neither does it affect a person’s lipid profile. The research finding suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.”

Funtuna Egg, an arm of Animal Care Services Konsult (ACSK) has inaugurated four egg quadpak product.

President, Animal Care Services Konsult (ACSK) Dr Olatunde Agbato underscored the importance of egg to healthy diet.

He described an egg as the best protein source nature provides as it is rich in lots of essential vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy diet.

“Eggs are packed full of goodness from Vitamin A which is needed for the healthy development of the body cells, B12 which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells; right through to Choline which is vital for nerves and muscles to function properly and proven to lower the risk of heart disease.”