The impact of egg-based supplementation on child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries and disproportionately affecting children under five. Eggs, given their high nutrient density and relative physical or economic accessibility, have been tested for their effect on improving nutritional outcomes in children under five. However, findings from scientific exercises to test the impact of egg-based trials on child growth have not been systhematically pooled and synthesised. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to synthesise evidence on the impact of egg-based interventions on the nutritional status of children underfive as determined by weight-for-height Z -score (WHZ), weight-for-age z -score (WAZ), and height-for-age z -score (HAZ). Research articles of randomised controlled trials published between 2013 and 2023 were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Index Medicus data bases. Articles evaluated the effect of egg-based interventions against alternative diets, behaviour-change education, or no alternative intervention were included. Primary outcomes are WHZ, WAZ, and HAZ. Random-effects models were used to pool effect sizes (mean difference), and subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Seven studies involving 3673 children met the inclusion criteria. Egg-based intervention significantly improved WAZ (MD: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11–0.55) and WHZ (MD: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12–0.48). However, no significant effect was observed on HAZ (MD: 0.05; 95% CI: –0.05–0.14). It is figuredout that egg-based interventions can improve weight-related nutritional outcomes (WHZ and HAZ) among children underfive in sub-Saharan Africa, but not linear growth (HAZ).