Egg Supplementation for Pregnancy
(MIND Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether increased egg consumption during pregnancy can enhance fetal brain development. Researchers focus on nutrients like choline in egg yolks, which are crucial for brain growth. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will increase egg consumption (egg supplementation), and the other will receive general prenatal diet advice. The trial suits pregnant women between 12 and 20 weeks who currently eat three or fewer eggs weekly and are willing to eat more.
As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to significant research on prenatal nutrition and fetal development.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that eating eggs during pregnancy is generally safe and beneficial. Eggs help meet the daily choline requirement, which is crucial for the baby's brain development. A large study found no major safety concerns with regularly eating eggs while pregnant.
Health experts often reassure pregnant women that eggs are both safe and nutritious. Fully cooking eggs is important to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Some study participants believed that eating too many eggs might lead to bigger babies or delivery problems, but little scientific evidence supports this. Overall, eggs are a well-tolerated part of a prenatal diet.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard prenatal care, which typically focuses on supplements like folic acid and iron, the egg supplementation treatment is unique because it emphasizes the importance of choline, a nutrient found in eggs that supports fetal brain development. Most prenatal diets do not specifically highlight choline, making this approach stand out. Researchers are excited because encouraging pregnant individuals to consume 10-14 eggs per week could provide a natural and accessible way to boost choline intake, potentially enhancing pregnancy outcomes. This method could offer a simple dietary change with significant benefits for both mother and baby.
What evidence suggests that egg supplementation could be effective for fetal neurodevelopment?
Research has shown that eating eggs during pregnancy can aid a baby's brain development. Studies have identified eggs as a key source of choline, a nutrient vital for brain health. Pregnant women who consume eggs regularly are more likely to meet their daily choline needs. In this trial, participants in the EGG Group will receive education on the importance of prenatal choline and egg consumption and will be encouraged to eat 10-14 eggs per week. Other research suggests that when mothers eat eggs, it can enhance the baby's brain development, memory, and birth outcomes. Eggs also provide essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamins that support the health of both mother and baby. These findings indicate that eating eggs during pregnancy benefits the baby's developing brain.34678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Danielle Christifano, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Kansas Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for pregnant women aged 18 or older, between 12 and 20 weeks along, carrying one baby, who currently eat three eggs a week or less but are willing to eat more during the study. Participants should not have serious illnesses that could affect results.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized into EGG and HPD groups, receiving education on prenatal diets and encouraged to consume specific nutrients
Follow-up
Fetal heart rate variability measured at 36 weeks gestation and infant EEGs conducted postnatally
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Egg Supplementation
- Healthy Prenatal Diet
Trial Overview
The study compares two groups: one group gets education on eating more eggs (10-14 per week) during pregnancy, while the other receives general healthy prenatal diet advice. Both groups are encouraged to take DHA supplements. The goal is to see if eating more eggs helps with fetal brain development.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
The EGG group will receive education on the importance of prenatal choline and egg consumption and be encouraged to consume 10-14 eggs per week.
The HPD group will receive education on a healthy prenatal diet
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Kansas Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Eggs: Healthy or Risky? A Review of Evidence from High ...
In an Australian study, eggs were the most significant contributor to choline intake in the diets of pregnant women [26]. The previously mentioned study by ...
New nutrition research highlights how maternal egg ...
New nutrition research highlights how maternal egg consumption during pregnancy can positively influence fetal brain development, memory, and ...
The role of egg consumption in the first 1001 days of life
The evidence indicates that eggs are an important food for pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes and child nutrition (Lutter et al, 2018), and ...
Association Between Maternal Egg Consumption During ...
The total egg consumption was 2.79 eggs/week among pregnant mothers. The most consumed egg foods were whole eggs (2.51 eggs/week), followed by eggs with fat ( ...
Is It Possible to Promote Egg Consumption during Pregnancy ...
RESULTS: All participants recognized eggs as nutritious for pregnant women; 25% of pregnant women consumed eggs the previous day. However, participants believed ...
The potential of a simple egg to improve maternal and child ...
Evidence is mounting about the benefits of eggs for child nutrition and potential benefits for women during pregnancy and birth outcomes.
Egg consumption in pregnancy and infancy: Advice has ...
These results suggest that health professionals still need to help reassure women that UK (Lion-marked) eggs are a safe and nutritious food to eat when pregnant ...
Is It Possible to Promote Egg Consumption During ...
However, participants believed eating too many eggs during pregnancy (1 or more eggs daily) leads to a large baby and delivery complications.
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