Park Ridge, Ill. (February 17, 2009) – A research review published recently in Nutrition Today (1) affirms that the high-quality protein in eggs makes a valuable contribution to muscle strength, provides a source of sustained energy and promotes satiety. High-quality protein is an important nutrient for active individuals at all life stages, and while most Americans consume the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein, additional research suggests that some Americans are not consuming enough high-quality protein to achieve and maintain optimal health.(2,3,4)
Study Findings
The Nutrition Today review analyzes more than 25 protein studies and concludes that the all-natural, high-quality protein in eggs contributes to strength, power and energy in the following ways:
"While many Americans may be getting enough protein, they need to focus on consuming sources of higher-quality protein. Our review of the science suggests that eggs are an ideal protein choice, plus, they are very affordable," says Donald K. Layman, Ph.D., co-author of the research review and professor emeritus at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois. "In addition, individuals should focus on when they consume high-quality protein. Most protein consumption occurs in the evening, even though there are significant benefits to consuming more protein at breakfast, such as stimulation of muscle protein synthesis and long-lasting satiety."
Additional Benefits of Eggs' High-Quality Protein
The high-quality protein in eggs provides additional benefits, including:
Looking for More Information?
Visit the Egg Nutrition Center at www.enc-online.org for more information on protein and the nutritional benefits of eggs.
Visit the American Egg Board at www.incredibleegg.org for egg recipes and preparation tips.
About the American Egg Board (AEB)
AEB is the U.S. egg producer's link to the consumer in communicating the value of The incredible edible egg™ and is funded from a national legislative checkoff on all egg production from companies with greater than 75,000 layers, in the continental United States. The board consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The AEB staff carries out the programs under the board direction. AEB is located in Park Ridge, Ill. Visit www.incredibleegg.org for more information.
About the Egg Nutrition Center (ENC)
The Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) is the health education and research center of the American Egg Board. Established in 1979, ENC provides science-based information to health promotion agencies, physicians, dietitians, nutritional scientists, media and consumers on issues related to egg nutrition and the role of eggs in the American diet. ENC is located in Washington, DC. Visit www.enc-online.org for more information.
(1) Layman DK, Rodriguez, NR. Egg Protein as a Source of Power, Strength and Energy. Nutr Today . 44(1):43-48.
(2) Wolfe RR, Miller SL. The Recommended Dietary Allowance of Protein: A Misunderstood Concept. JAMA 2008: 299(24):2891-2893.
(3) Fulgoni VL. Current protein intake in America: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003�. AJCN 2008; 87(5): 1554S-1557S.
(4) Paddon-Jones, D, et al. Role of dietary protein in the sarcopenia of aging. AJCN 2008; 87: 1562S-1566S.
(5) The use of biological value of protein in evaluating its quality for human requirements. Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation on Energy and Protein Requirements. 1981.
(6) Vander Wal JS et al , et al. Egg breakfast enhances weight loss. Int J of Obesity 2008: 32(10):1545-1551.
(7) Leidy HJ, et al. Increased dietary protein consumed at breakfast leads to an initial and sustained feeling of fullness during energy restriction compared to other meal times. British J of Nutr , published online September 2008.
Nutrition Today