(P23-025-25) Eggs as Part of a Plant-Based Diet. Beneficial Effects for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

Objectives: In a randomized crossover study involving individuals with Metabolic Syndrome(MetS), we previously demonstrated that consuming 2 eggs (EGG) daily along with a plant-based diet (PBD) for 4 weeks, compared to the usual diet (BL) or an egg substitute (EGG-S), increased HDL-C, total HDL particles, and large HDL, without changes in LDL-C or triglycerides (TG). Decreases in body weight and malonaldehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, were also observed. This secondary analysis explores further the nutritional benefits of eggs linked to these improvements.

Methods: Diet analysis was conducted using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Plasma choline, betaine and TMAO—were quantified by stable-isotope dilution liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma MDA was measured with ELISA kits, and plasma lutein and zeaxanthin analysis were analyzed using an Agilent 1260 HPLC-DAD with a C30 column. Plasma HDL particles were quantified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results: Dietary patterns indicated higher intake of protein (+31%), monounsaturated fatty acids (+27%), choline (+100%), betaine (+40%), lutein + zeaxanthin (+100%), vitamin D (+42%), vitamin B-12 (+17%), and selenium (+34%) as well as lower carbohydrates (-14%) and added sugars (-41%) during EGG compared to BL. When compared to EGG-S, similar results were observed, except that EGG-S had similar concentrations of lutein + zeaxanthin, selenium, protein, and carbohydrates to EGG. Plasma zeaxanthin was higher after EGG than BL and EGG-S, while plasma lutein was higher than BL and similar between EGG and EGG-S due to spinach, a rich source of lutein, in egg products. Plasma zeaxanthin after the EGG intervention showed a negative correlation with MDA. Plasma choline was significantly higher after EGG (10.54 ± 2.8) compared to BL (8.33 ± 2.88) and EGG-S (9.84 ± 3.17) μmol/L (P < 0.05), as was plasma betaine. No significant differences in trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) were found among the groups. Furthermore, the inclusion of eggs in a PBD reversed MetS criteria in the study population by 45%.

Conclusions: Eggs offer significant nutritional benefits against chronic diseases, making them a valuable component of a PBD. Future research should investigate the role of eggs in PBDs across diverse populations.

Funding Sources: The American Egg Board