PARK RIDGE, Ill. — "Cardiovascular disease is a complex and individualized condition. While it is important to understand the relationship between the nutrients found in foods we eat and how our gut processes them, this singular study does not change the decades of research supporting the important role eggs play in a healthy diet. In fact, the media has misinterpreted the research and the authors' conclusions. As quoted in the Cleveland Clinic press release the principal investigator states, 'Our goal is not to suggest dietary restrictions of entire food groups. Eggs, meat and other animal products are an integral part of most individuals' diets.' In addition, Dr. Hazen noted that these findings are not conclusive and simply 'suggest that further research into the involvement of gut microbiome in the development of cardiovascular disease could lead to new avenues in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.'
It will be intriguing to see how research related to TMAO evolves, as TMA – the precursor to TMAO – is commonly found in high levels in fish, which has been lauded for its role in a heart-healthy diet. In addition, a recent study conducted at Dr. Marie Caudill 's lab at Cornell University found no changes in fasting plasma TMAO levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women following the chronic consumption of 480 mg of choline daily – the equivalent to approximately five eggs a day – for 12 weeks."
For additional information or media inquiries please contact the Egg Media Hotline at 1-855-EGGS411 and visit www.incredibleegg.org or www.eggnutritioncenter.org.
Source: Yan J, Jiang X, West A, Perry C, Malysheva O, Devapatla S, Pressman E, Vermeylen F, Stabler S, Allen R, Caudill M. Maternal choline intake modulates maternal and fetal biomarkers of choline metabolism in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012 May;95(5):1060-71.
About the American Egg Board (AEB)
AEB is the U.S. egg producer's link to the consumer in communicating the value of the incredible edible egg™ and is funded from a national legislative checkoff on all egg production from companies with greater than 75,000 layers, in the continental United States. The board consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The AEB staff carries out the programs under the board direction. AEB is located in Park Ridge, Ill. Visit www.IncredibleEgg.org for more information.
About the Egg Nutrition Center (ENC)
The Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) is the health education and research center of the American Egg Board. Established in 1979, ENC provides science-based information to health promotion agencies, physicians, dietitians, nutritional scientists, media and consumers on issues related to egg nutrition and the role of eggs in the American diet. ENC is located in Park Ridge, IL. Visit www.eggnutritioncenter.org or http://www.eggnutritioncenter.org/health-professionals/nutrition-unscrambled/ for more information.
Source: Egg Nutrition Center
