Eggs Represent a Cost-Effective Approach in Delivering Protein, Choline, Vitamin A and Vitamin D in the American Diet of Children and Adults
Abstract Objectives Cost has been identified as a key barrier in preventing many Americans from consuming recommended nutrients from healthy eating patterns. The purpose of the current study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of eggs for delivering selected nutrients (i.e., protein, vitamin A, choline, vitamin D) in children and adults. Methods The present analysis used dietary intake data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2016 (2–18 years-old, N = 956; 19+ years-old, N = 2424). Cost and nutrient profiles for What We Eat in America food categories were compared to whole eggs. Food cost and the cost of nutrients were obtained from the Center for Nutrition Promotion and Policy food cost database. Results Of 15 main food groups examined, whole eggs ranked third for cost-effectiveness per 100 g (excluding beverages), such that eggs cost $0.35 per 100 g, with dairy and grains representing the first and second most cost-effective foods at $0.23 and $0.27 per 100 g, respectively. In children and adults, eggs represented a cost-effective food for protein delivery, such that eggs provided nearly 2.7 and 3.7% of all protein in the diet, respectively, at a cost of about $0.03 per g of protein. Eggs contributed 3.8% and 6.0% of all vitamin A in the diet of children and adults, at a cost of approximately $0.002 and $0.003 per RAE mcg of vitamin A, respectively. In children and adolescents 2–18 years-old, nearly 12% of all choline in the diet is delivered at a cost of approximately $0.002 per mg of choline. Similarly, in adults 19+ years-old, eggs provide nearly 14.8% of all dietary choline in the diet at a cost of approximately $0.002 per mg of choline. Eggs provide nearly 5% and 9.5% of all vitamin D in the diet of children and adults, at a cost of approximately $0.21 and $0.22 per mcg of vitamin D, respectively. Overall, eggs ranked as the most cost-effective food for delivering protein, choline, and vitamin A, and third for vitamin D in children. In adults, eggs ranked as the most cost-effective food for delivering protein and choline, second for vitamin A, and third for vitamin D. Conclusions In summary, eggs represent a cost-effective food choice for delivery of protein and several shortfall nutrients (choline, vitamin A, and vitamin D) in the American diet. Funding Sources The study was supported by the Egg Nutrition Center.