Overview
The fetal brain requires DHA, choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin (L/Z) for development, dependent on maternal intake during pregnancy. However, many pregnant women do not meet daily requirements through diet or prenatal vitamins. Egg yolks are rich in choline, and women who consume eggs daily are more likely to meet the adequate intake of 450 mg/day. A recent study by Christifano et al. found that maternal egg and neuroprotective nutrient intake predicted neurodevelopment at 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. This study aims to determine if fetal neurodevelopment is enhanced among women who consume a prenatal diet emphasizing egg consumption (EGG) versus a healthy prenatal diet education control group (HPD). Women between 12-20 weeks' gestation will be randomized into EGG and HPD groups. 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. Both groups will be encouraged to take a DHA supplement, and dietary intake of choline, L/Z, and DHA will be collected. Fetal heart rate variability will be measured at 36 weeks gestation and infant EEGs will be conducted postnatally to examine brain function. Increasing prenatal egg consumption is both economical and feasible to boost prenatal choline intake, promote offspring neurodevelopment, and guide prenatal dietary recommendations.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant females ≥18 years of age
- 12 to 20-weeks' gestation at enrollment
- No serious illnesses likely to confound study outcomes
- Consuming 3 eggs/week or less at enrollment and willing to increase consumption during the study
- Singleton gestation
- Available by telephone and text
Exclusion Criteria:
- Less than 18 years at enrollment
- Gestational age at enrollment \<12 or \>20 weeks
- Any serious illness likely to confound study outcomes
- Consuming more than 3 eggs per week at enrollment
- Unable/unwilling to consume eggs until delivery or egg allergy
- Expecting multiple infants
- No access to telephone or text
