Eggs and Associated Nutrients: Implications for Brain Development and Function From Conception to Early Adulthood: A Narrative Review

Brain development is an ongoing process that occurs throughout the first 1000 days of life (conception until 2 years) and proceeds throughout childhood, adolescence and up until early adulthood. Adequate nutrient intakes are crucial for both neurodevelopment inside the womb and critical life-stages thereafter when the brain continues to grow and develop. This review critically summarises the current evidence for eggs and nutrients found in eggs in relation to their potential to support brain development and function. Twenty-one key publications, including a mixture of meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials and observational studies, were identified, focusing on eggs or nutrients found in eggs that could influence brain development and function. Findings suggest that the consumption of eggs or nutrients found in eggs could have potential benefits for aspects of neurodevelopment, certain markers of motor development and academic performance. Eggs are high in protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, biotin, iodine, selenium and a source of vitamin A, folate, pantothenic acid and phosphorus. They also provide an array of nutrients and bioactive components, including docosahexaenoic acid, choline, lutein and zeaxanthin that have potential to reinforce brain growth and development. Given the nutrient-dense profile of eggs, consumption could be encouraged across life-stages that are physiologically demanding from a brain development, growth and function stance. This includes amongst women of childbearing age, infancy, childhood and adolescence. However, the extent to which egg intake can influence specific markers of brain/cognitive function requires further investigation.