Consumption of eggs has no significant link with heart diseases, said livestock scientists and nutritionists yesterday.

Referring to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, they said negative perception that regular egg consumption leads to heart diseases has been proved incorrect, and suggested regular intake of eggs, especially by pregnant women and growing children.

The recommendations came at a roundtable at The Daily Star Centre on the eve of World Egg Day today. The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organised the programme "Egg – The Good Food" in association with the Bangladesh Animal Agriculture Society (BAAS).

"Instead of worrying about eggs, focus on eating an overall healthy diet and getting regular exercise. An average of one egg a day can be part of that lifestyle," according to the Harvard Health Publications dated January 1 this year.

It said eggs are relatively low in calories and saturated fat and rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other healthy nutrients, which are good for the eyes, and choline, which is needed by nerves and the brain.     

"Most of the cholesterol that circulates in our bodies is not from cholesterol in foods, but rather from our liver making cholesterol in response to high intake of saturated and trans fat," said Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in its website.

However, average egg consumption by a person in Bangladesh is only 70 eggs a year whereas the FAO recommends 104.

Experts said reasons behind low intake are economic status, low production and misperceptions.

Dr Ajoy Kumar Roy, director general at the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), said demand for eggs in Bangladesh is 1,650 crore, but production is 1,099 crore.

"Eggs contain omega fatty acids that reduce risks of heart attacks," he said.

Dr Quamrul Islam, director at the Institute of Public Health and Nutrition, said eggs are much cheaper than beef or fish in terms of food value, but people do not eat eggs when its prices are up.

Prof Nazma Shaheen, director at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of Dhaka University, said suggested one egg per day for pregnant women.

Prof SD Chowdhury of Bangladesh Agricultural University said instability of prices of eggs affects the poultry farmers, and this needs to be addressed.

Mike Robson, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, among others, spoke.