Eggs During Breastfeeding: Safety, Health Benefits And Precautions

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一般来说,eggs during breastfeeding make for a well-balanced maternal diet. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and essential lipids to help you meet your nutritional needs during nursing. But since they also fall under allergenic foods, you may feel apprehensive about eating eggs while you are breastfeeding.

However, you need to follow some precautions to ensure the safe ingestion of eggs during lactation. Read on as we tell you more about the safe intake of eggs during lactation, their possible health benefits, and their side effects.

Can Breastfeeding Moms Eat Eggs?

Nursing momscan eat well-cooked eggs. It is to be hard-boiled.和er cooked or raw eggs have a risk of salmonella contamination that can cause food poisoning.

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recommends using pasteurized eggs as much as possible(1). However, you may also buy eggs stored in a refrigerator, provided they are clean and the shells are not cracked(2).

健康的好处鸡蛋对母乳喂养的妈妈

Consuming well-cooked eggs regularly during nursing might be beneficial for maternal health in the following ways.

1. Provide high-quality proteins:Egg contains all the nine essential amino acids in the right proportions.It has a biological value of almost 100, which indicates that the maximum amount of its protein is absorbed by the body(3）
2. Contain a variety of micronutrients:Eggs are rich in micronutrients, and severalbioactive compoundsⁱXMolecules with antioxidant properties and health-promoting effects present in plants and some foodsthat have health-benefiting properties(4). Some of these nutrients, such asvitamins A, B2, and B12, can also pass via breast milk, supporting infant health. The regular consumption of cooked eggs can help the mother recover from iron-deficiency anemia.
3. Support brain development:Eggs are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) that are required for brain and vision development(5)(6)(7).

4. Maintain liver function:Egg yolk has considerable amounts of choline, which is anessential nutrientrequired by the mother and the nursing baby. The most vital functions of choline are supporting brain development and maintaining liver function(8)(9)(10).
5. Have anti-inflammatory properties:Eggs contain bioactive compounds, such as sphingomyelin, lutein, and zeaxanthin that possess anti-inflammatory properties(5)Thus, some research studies indicate that an egg a day might be useful to fight against inflammation(11). This property may help in postpartum recovery.

6. Possess antimicrobial properties:The egg contains proteins such as ovotransferrin, vitellogenin, lipovitellin, and phosvitin, which have antiviral and antibacterial properties(5). These properties could support theimmune system.

Possible Side-Effects Of Eggs When Breastfeeding

Consuming eggs during the nursing phase does not necessarily cause side effects in healthy breastfeeding mothers. However, if you have any health issues, then there may be the risk of encountering the following side effects.

1. Protein overload:It is not a common phenomenon, but may occur in individuals with kidney ailments. Eggs are a rich source of protein. High protein intake by those with kidney problems can cause detrimental effects(12).

2. Allergy:鸡蛋过敏是最常见的一种食物allergies. It develops when your immune system overreacts to proteins found in egg whites and/or yolks. Egg allergy usually appears in infancy and resolves by adulthood, but not in all cases. If you are a breastfeeding mother with an existent egg allergy or any other food allergy, then do not consume egg without consulting a doctor.

3. Salmonella: Salmonella infection is another possible disadvantage of egg consumption.

有时候,孩子可能已经从m鸡蛋过敏aternal egg consumption. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACCAI), the typical signs of an egg allergy that parents should keep an eye on are skin contact reactions, vomiting, stomach cramps, wheezing, diarrhea, redness of the face, andhivesⁱXA skin rash characterized by itching triggered by allergic foods or medicationsaround the mouth(13). In extreme cases, an egg allergy may cause breathing problems leading toanaphylaxisⁱXAn extreme allergic reaction causing breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.

If you have any other health condition, then consult a doctor before consuming eggs. If you are asked to avoid eggs, then you should also avoid products that contain eggs. Examples of foods that may contain eggs are cakes, mayonnaise,ice cream, salad dressings, hollandaise, and sauces.

How To Buy And Store Eggs?

You can buy and store eggs safely by following some simple guidelines and tips listed below.

Buying

• Prefer pasteurized eggs. If not, buy eggs that were stored in a refrigerator.
• While buying, ensure that the eggs are clean and the shells are not broken or cracked.
• 鸡蛋在冰箱里储存在40°F(4°C)或below, but not in the freezer.
• It is advisable to store the eggs in their packaging and use them within three weeks.

Storing

It is best to consume fresh and nutrient-rich food during lactation. However, if you need to store eggs for long, then you should observe the following precautions.

• Hard cook the eggs in their shell. You may also peel them. However, in both cases, use these eggs within a week after cooking.
• Consume all the leftover cooked egg dishes within three to four days of their preparation.
• You can freeze eggs to use them for long, but do not store frozen eggs with their shells. Instead, beat yolks and whites together, and then freeze the mix. If required, egg white can be frozen separately.
• Frozen eggs can be consumed for a year. However, there may be a decline in their taste and nutritional value. Therefore, it is best to consume frozen eggs within a month or a few weeks from the date of their freezing.

Careful purchase and storage of eggs can minimize the chances of any complications.

Precautions To Take While Consuming Eggs When Breastfeeding

Eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria that can affect your health. Though it can’t pass to the baby via breast milk, staying alert against food-borne illnesses is crucial during breastfeeding. The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) recommends taking the following precautions when adding eggs to the diet(14).

1. 1. Cook eggs until both the yolk and the whites are firm. Never consume raw eggs since they could harbor bacteria.
   2. Do not consume raw cookie dough recipes as they contain raw eggs and hence are risky.
   3. Avoid eating dishes that use raw or undercooked eggs such as eggs benedict.
   4. When preparing scrambled eggs, ensure that they are not runny.
   5. Some breastfeeding mothers might experience general indigestion while consuming half-fried eggs. In such a case, avoid eating them.
   6. Always cook dishes containing eggs, such as cookies, cakes, or sauces, to a temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
   7. Never leave cooked eggs or egg dishes out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.

Increase your understanding of the advantages of eating eggs and make well-informed decisions for your well-being.

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