Supplement of Three Eggs a Week Improves Protein Malnutrition in Thai Children from Rural Areas
Korapat Mayurasakorn MD, FRCFPT*, Prapunpis Sitphahul MPS**, Pun-orn Hongto MPS***
Affiliation : * Family Medicine Division, Department of Social Medicine, Samutsakhon General Hospital, Samutsakhon, Thailand ** Department of Nutrition, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Department of Nutrition, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Protein Malnutrition is one of the most important health indexes that affect children’s growth
and development. In Thailand National Health Survey 2004, 21.5% of primary school students living in the
rural area were below the 90th percentile of the standard weight for age.
Objective : To compare nutritional status with serum proteins and lipids, and to determine the effect of egg
supplement for primary school students aged 6-15 years.
Material and Method: A randomized experimental study was performed in 417 participants received an
addition of either three or ten eggs per week for 12 consecutive weeks to basal diet.
Results : The anthropometric and biochemical indexes were measured, 29.1% and 20.8% of whom were Protein
Malnutrition according to serum albumin and PreAlbumin’s criteria, respectively. Albumin and PreAlbumin
levels were positively correlated with Total Cholesterol and LDL-C levels. No difference in any biochemical
index has been found between 3 eggs/wk group and 10 eggs/wk group. Besides, due to continuing egg
supplement, Total Cholesterol, LDL and ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL level have decreased (p < 0.001)
but albumin, PreAlbumin and HDL levels have demonstrated significantly increasing levels (p < 0.001).
Conclusion : Nowadays in rural areas of Thailand there are still primary school students with protein
malnutrition especially in rural area. An addition of at least 3 eggs/wk supplements can effectively correct the
problem of protein malnutrition among primary school students at risk as shown by biochemical indices, and
it benefits the blood cholesterol level as well.
Keywords : Protein malnutrition, Egg supplements, Lipid profiles, Thai children, Pre albumin, Rural areas
