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Eating egg-rich diets and modeling the addition of one daily egg reduced risk of nutrient inadequacy among United States adolescents with and without food insecurity
Adolescents have the least healthy dietary intake compared to other age groups, with food insecurity worsening these nutritional challenges. A nutrient-rich meal that can enhance nutritional intake is eggs. The research by Morales-Juárez et al. (2024) sought to 1) compare usual nutrient intakes, adherence to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) guidelines, protein compliance, and micronutrient quality scores and 2) assess how incorporating one egg into the diet impacts nutrient profiles in adolescents, considering food security status and egg consumption levels. The analysis included dietary data from 3,633 U.S. adolescents (14–17 years of age, 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants). Egg intake was divided into three categories: 1) no eggs, 2) eggs in dishes, and 3) dishes made mostly of eggs. In addition to standard nutrient exposure and consumption scores (Food Nutrient Index [FNI] and Total Nutrient Index [TNI]) using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) approach, the authors assessed the level of food security using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM). Regardless of their level of food security, over 60% of teenagers were in danger of consuming inadequate amounts of calcium, choline, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin E, according to the analysis results. Secure access to food included greater intakes of choline (408.4 mg), lutein + zeaxanthin (1544.1 μg), vitamin B2 (2.3 mg), vitamin D (6 μg), selenium (128.6 μg), docosahexaenoic acid (70 mg), and protein (89.1 g) among teenagers who ate mostly egg dishes than their peers. In comparison to individuals who were food insecure, those who were food secure and used eggs as components had higher Total Nutritional Index and Food Nutrient Index scores, as well as superior nutritional adequacy ratings for magnesium, potassium, and folate. Adding one egg improved nutrition index scores for all groups and increased choline and vitamin D intakes. The authors conclude that Adolescents face significant nutritional risks exacerbated by food insecurity and limited egg consumption. [NPID: Food security, nutrient intake, eggs, adolescents, NHANES]
Year: 2024
