Researchers have found that almost half of all babies are not being fed eggs, partially due to unfounded concerns among nursery staff about allergies.
The study’s findings have raised concerns among experts, who stress that early egg introduction can help reduce allergy risks. The researchers surveyed families with babies and discovered that only 46% of babies aged six to eight months are offered eggs weekly.
Infants were more likely to be offered eggs during baby-led weaning, in which purees are bypassed in favor of finger foods, or where they had stay-at-home mums.
Experts believe that delaying the introduction of eggs may lead to a higher risk of food sensitivity and allergy. Egg allergies affect around 2% of UK children under the age of two.
Dr. Hannah Rowan, who collected the data, called for exploration of why some nurseries are not serving eggs, suggesting that this could be due to outdated concerns about allergies and food safety, or that toast and cereal for breakfast may be seen as more convenient.
Dr. Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian, stated that studies showed early introduction of eggs reduced the risk of subsequent allergy development. Eggs are a healthy, low-cost food for babies, as they contain high-quality protein for growth, vitamin D for bones and immunity, and choline for brain and cognitive function.
Professor Amy Brown, co-author of the study from Lactation, Infant Feeding, and Translational Research at Swansea University, noted that the Department of Health recommends eggs with the British Lion mark, which are safe for babies to eat partially cooked, and that eggs should be introduced from the start of weaning at six months.
The study was funded by the British Egg Industry Council and published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
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