20/08/2024
I agree that adequate protein intake is essential for the growth and healthy development of children. However, it is important to note this research was carried out on children in rural Thailand. 17% of the children involved in this study were underweight, 18% were wasted, and 13% were stunted at the start of the trial. Obviously increasing protein intake from whole foods is going to bring health and growth benefits to these children.
Interesting to note the children in the group given 'protein egg substitute' did not see the health benefits that the egg eating group did. I cannot see from the article abstract exactly what this 'egg substitute' was.
Children in the UK (I hope) are much less likely to be suffering from inadequate protein intake. However, this trial does highlight the need to give careful consideration to protein sources and quantities if a child is following a poorly planned vegan diet, or a very restricted diet. Vegan children who dislike wholefood vegan protein sources such as beans and pulses, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds, may benefit from a protein supplement, as might children on very restricted diets.
Most children in the UK would benefit from a reduction in ultra processed foods and increased intake of vegetables and fruit. This would be a much better area to focus on than protein intake for most families trying to improve the health of their children.
Prolonged Egg Supplement Advances Growing Child's Growth and Gut Microbiota in Nutrients. 2023
Inadequate protein intake results in reduced growth and an immune system that is susceptible to disease and infection in early life. It has also been shown to affect school performance and intelligence status. Recent research shows that malnutrition has been associated with intestinal dysbiosis by altering the healthy and pathogenic microbiota that efficiently processes foods or produces vitamins.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged egg supplementation on growth, blood biochemical indices, and gut microbiome in school-aged Thai children.
Results showed that long-term whole egg supplementation significantly increased growth and improved important biomarkers in young school-age children without adverse effects on blood cholesterol levels. Furthermore, it also promoted intestinal microbial diversity by maintaining an intestinal microbiota composition that benefits health.
Authors conclude that long-term whole egg supplementation is a feasible, low-cost, and effective intervention. However, further research is needed on the mechanistic effects of egg consumption on gut microbiota and growth.
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