Could Eggs Hold the Keys to a Healthy Pregnancy?

Although eggs have been given a bad rap in the past because of their cholesterol content, modern nutritionists tend to recommend eating eggs for their nutrient-rich yolks. Loaded with essential fatty acids, protein, vitamin A, B12, and choline, egg yolks contain dense nutrition compared to other animal-source foods.

In a recent webinar, leading naturopath Dr. Tierona Low Dog called out the importance of choline for pregnant women. Despite solid research touting choline’s big benefits, it wasn’t labeled an “essential nutrient” until 1998, and it still isn’t included in most prenatal vitamin formulas.

Choline plays a vital role in liver, brain and nerve health, especially during the developmental phase. Research suggests choline has the ability to increase the cognition and intelligence of the child while decreasing the risk of birth defects. Remarkably, it has also been shown to protect the child from the physical and mental consequences of stress encountered later in life.

One study involving 154 healthy mothers taking prenatal vitamins found a significant correlation between mothers with high choline levels and better motor skill development in the first 18 months of the baby’s life.

Still, 95% of mothers don’t get enough choline from their diets. Sounds like supplements have some big shoes to fill as nutrition gaps continue to widen in the U.S.