FDA Declares Eggs Safe For Children! A Win For Parents

Eggs have cholesterol and fats in them, so we should cut them out from our diets entirely! This is what we were told for a very long time, causing people to avoid eggs, essentially cutting out this huge chunk of nutrition from their own and their kids' lives. But recent turns of events have changed this course of thinking. This idea that eggs are bad came from older research where they focused dietary cholesterol. But now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has changed its rules about what can be called "healthy," and eggs are now on the list. With advancement in dietary studies and more focused research on good and bad cholesterol eggs have now been approved. Experts say this is good news because eggs are actually very nutritious.

Why Did the FDA Change Its Position on Eggs?

As you may have seen, there are certain foods and items that have been labeled as “Healthy” on our food store shelves to make it easier to choose from, but the recent ruling from FDA has changed their guidelines for which foods will be labeled as healthy. These changes were announced in late 2024 and they now focus on the overall nutritional value of foods rather than laser focus on certain aspects of the food. Since this change was made, foods that are naturally packed with nutrients, without added sugars, salts, or unhealthy fats except for the naturally occurring fats like the ones in Avocado, can be labeled as “healthy.” This means foods like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and, importantly, eggs, now fit the criteria. Like mentioned before, eggs were labeled unhealthy only because of their cholesterol content, but it is so much more than that! It has healthy fats, protein and other nutritional values that add to your kid’s diet. This update aligns with what nutrition experts have been saying for a while, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods is key for a healthy diet. Now when you go to grocery stores, you will not have to spend excessive time looking through all the ingredient lists to know whether they should actually feed their kids this.

Health Benefits of Eggs for Children

Eggs are packed with good things for kids, like protein for strong muscles, choline for brain development, and important vitamins and minerals like A, D, B12, and iron. Vitamin D is especially important for growing bones, especially during winter when kids might not get enough sunlight. Eggs also have antioxidants for healthy eyes and nutrients that support a strong immune system. Overall, eggs are a huge deal especially when it comes to how much nutrition the small food can pack. Introducing eggs early to babies (around 4-6 months) can even help prevent food allergies. Eggs are also beneficial during pregnancy, providing nutrients like choline, folate, and iron for the baby's development.

How Many Eggs Should Kids Eat a Day?

There's no single rule for how many eggs kids (or adults) should eat. It depends on their size, lifestyle, and other factors. But generally, one to three eggs a day is a good amount for most people. It's important to eat a variety of healthy foods, not just eggs. While most people don't have to worry about cholesterol from eggs, some people are more sensitive to it and should talk to their doctor.

Some kids are allergic to eggs, follow a vegan diet, or are simply picky eaters. If your child doesn't eat eggs, that's okay. The most important thing is for them to eat a balanced diet with lots of whole foods and lean protein from other sources. Eggs are just one option among many. A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, healthy fats, and other sources of protein. Eating too many eggs can take the place of other important foods, especially for growing kids.