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Original ArticleOpen Access
Supplement of Three Eggs a Week Improves Protein Malnutrition in Thai Children from Rural Areas
Mayurasakorn K 
,
Sitphahul P ,
Hongto P
,
Sitphahul P ,
Hongto P 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
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
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