Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
09:58

Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation

Published on: June 5, 2012

13.8K

Gastrointestinal and respiratory morbidity when introducing eggs as complementary food: a randomised controlled trial

Regina Nakiranda1, Linda Malan2, Hannah Ricci2,3

  • 1North-West University (Centre of Excellence for Nutrition), Potchefstroom, South Africa. reginaki30@gmail.com.

Scientific Reports
|October 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Daily egg consumption in infants aged 6-9 months was linked to a higher incidence and longer duration of gastrointestinal morbidity. This finding suggests potential risks associated with introducing eggs during complementary feeding.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Complementary feeding is crucial for infant development.
  • Eggs are a nutrient-dense food source for young children.
  • Understanding the impact of specific foods on infant morbidity is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and duration of morbidity symptoms in infants receiving daily eggs.
  • To assess the secondary outcomes of a randomized controlled trial on infant feeding.
  • To explore the relationship between egg consumption and gastrointestinal/respiratory morbidity.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 500 infants (6-9 months).
  • Weekly morbidity data collection via symptom diaries.
  • Qualitative data gathered through focus group discussions.
  • Statistical analysis including odds ratios (OR) and regression models.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group (daily eggs) showed a ~5% higher incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity (17.0% vs. 11.9%).
  • Gastrointestinal morbidity was 1.4 times higher without fever and tended to be 4 times higher with fever in the intervention group.
  • The duration of gastrointestinal and respiratory morbidity was 1.5 days longer in infants consuming eggs daily (P=0.041).

Conclusions:

  • Complementary feeding with eggs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal morbidity in infants.
  • Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms.
  • Careful consideration of food introduction timing and potential risks is advised in infant nutrition.

More Related Videos

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

19.3K
Using Chicken Embryo as a Powerful Tool in Assessment of Developmental Cardiotoxicities11:00

Using Chicken Embryo as a Powerful Tool in Assessment of Developmental Cardiotoxicities

Published on: March 21, 2021

4.2K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...