Supplement of three eggs a week improves protein malnutrition in Thai children from rural areas.

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