Table 2.
Nutrition and health claims permitted for hens’ eggs in Europe and UK.
| Nutrient | Cut Offs for ‘Source of’ and ‘High in’ Claims | Content in 100 g of Egg (Edible Portion) | Permitted Nutrition Claim for Eggs | Health Areas Where Authorised Health Claims Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Source of = 12% of energy provided by protein; High in = 20% of energy provided by protein | 38.5% of energy provided by protein | High in protein | Growth and maintenance of muscle mass, maintenance of bones. |
| Vitamin D | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 64% | High in vitamin D | Normal bones and teeth, absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus; normal blood calcium levels, immune function. |
| Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) | High in = provides >45% of total fatty acid content and >20% of energy value | 49% of total fatty acid content from MUFA; 24% of energy from MUFA | High in MUFA | None authorised |
| Vitamin B12 | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 108% | High in vitamin B12 | Red blood cell formation, energy metabolism, immune function, nervous system, psychological function, homocysteine metabolism, reduction in tiredness and fatigue. |
| Riboflavin | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 35.7% | High in riboflavin | Energy metabolism, iron metabolism, vision, normal skin and mucous membranes, red blood cells, protection of cells from oxidative stress, nervous system, reduction in tiredness and fatigue. |
| Folate | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 23.5% | Source of folate | Psychological function, blood formation, homocysteine and amino acid metabolism, immune function, maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, reduction in tiredness and fatigue. |
| Vitamin A | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 15.7% | Source of vitamin A | Immune function, normal skin and mucous membranes, vision, iron metabolism. |
| Phosphorus | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 25.5% | Source of phosphorus | Normal function of cell membranes, energy metabolism, normal bones and teeth. |
| Selenium | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 41.8% | High in selenium | Protection of cells from oxidative stress, immune function, normal thyroid function, hair and nails, spermatogenesis. |
| Biotin | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 39% | High in biotin | Psychological function, normal skin, hair and mucous membranes, nervous system. |
| Pantothenic acid | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 22.5% | Source of pantothenic acid | Synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D and neurotransmitters, energy metabolism, mental performance, reduction in tiredness and fatigue. |
| Iodine | Source of = 15% of RDA; High in = 30% of RDA | 33.3% | High in iodine | Normal thyroid gland function, production of thyroid hormones, energy metabolism, normal skin, cognitive function, nervous system. |
| Choline | Health claim allowed if 82.5 mg/100 g food | 285 mg | None authorised | Normal metabolism of fat and homocysteine, maintenance of liver function. |