development
In the first 1 000 days, be sure to include eggs
In the 1 000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday, a healthy, balanced diet is essential for the optimal development of her baby. And at the heart of this diet is the humble egg.
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esearch in the fields of early childhood development, neuroscience and biology have provided great insight into just how critical this period – dubbed the ‘first 1000 days’ - is as a window of opportunity for the healthy growth and development of a child. During pregnancy and early childhood, the body's cells and tissues grow rapidly, both in size and number. This is also when the child’s brain grows faster than any other time in life, developing critical motor functions like balance, coordination, and posture. In the toddler years, a child’s brain and body continue to grow and develop at a rapid pace.3, 4
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Eggs are an optimal source of nutrition during this period. One large egg contains 13 nutrients, including iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and biotin, and 7g of protein. Protein is essential to healthy brain development, and provides the building blocks for muscle, growth, and a healthy immune system.
contribute to healthy brain development and function, according to research.7 Just one egg contains all the choline that a 6-12-month-old child needs. Yet despite these great benefits, 9 in 10 pregnant women consume too little choline.8
Eggs are also one of the best food sources of choline, an underappreciated yet vital nutrient for cell function, brain development, and the prevention of birth defects.
The importance of good nutrition during the first 1 000 days cannot be understated. Carbohydrates, fats, and protein, coupled with vitamins and minerals support the child’s cognitive abilities, motor skills, and even social development.3, 4
For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, just two large eggs contain half the amount of choline needed per day. Eating eggs early in childhood, thanks to the choline, could
Good nutrition, in turn, may impact a child’s future success in school, leading to better economic opportunities later in life.
9 in 10 pregnant women consume too little choline
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