Half of babies are ‘endangered’ by being put on an egg-free diet due to unnecessary health fears by daycare staff, researchers say
Nearly half of all babies don’t get eggs — in part because of unnecessary health anxiety from daycare staff, researchers say.
The findings in a new study have raised concerns among experts who point out that evidence shows that the early introduction of eggs can help reduce allergy risks.
Researchers gave questionnaires to families with babies. The results showed that eggs – which provide essential nutrients for growth and development – are offered weekly to only 46 percent of babies aged six to eight months.
Babies were more likely to be offered eggs in “baby-led weaning situations” — where mash is bypassed in favor of finger foods — or where they had stay-at-home moms.
Delaying the introduction of eggs may lead to a higher risk of food sensitivity and allergy, experts say. About two per cent of British children under the age of two suffer from egg allergies.
Experts believe that delaying the introduction of eggs may lead to a higher risk of food allergies
Dr. Hannah Rowan, who collected the data, said: ‘We need to investigate why some farms don’t put eggs on the menu.
Are they outdated concerns about allergies and food safety, or is it perhaps more convenient to give toast and cornflakes for breakfast?’
Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton said studies showed that early introduction of eggs reduced the risk of developing allergies.
She said: ‘Introducing eggs after six months is recommended by experts as it lowers the risk of developing egg allergy. . . So there is no reason to wait to give eggs when your baby is about six months old.
Eggs are a healthy, inexpensive food for babies because they contain high-quality protein for growth, vitamin D for bones and immunity, and choline for brain and cognitive function.
Study co-author Professor Amy Brown, from Lactation, Infant Feeding And Translational Research at the University of Swansea, said: ‘The Department of Health recommends that British lion branded eggs are safe for babies to eat partially cooked, and that eggs should be introduced from the beginning of weaning at six months.’
The study received funding from the British Egg Industry Council and was published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.