Impact of Regular Consumption of Eggs and Nutrients Fortified Eggs on Eczema Condition in Singapore Individuals

Impact of Regular Consumption of Eggs and Nutrients Fortified Eggs on Eczema Condition in Singapore Individuals With Eczema

The study aims to assess the effects of daily consumption of nutrients-fortified eggs on eczema condition in Singapore individuals with eczema. The investigators hypothesize that egg consumption will improve eczema condition and nutrients fortified egg consumption will improve further improvements when compared to standard egg consumption in individuals with eczema

This is a double-blind, randomized, parallel study and all subjects will complete a 12-week study period. Subjects will be tasked to consume nutrients-fortified eggs and regular eggs daily for 12 weeks. After which, subjects are assessed for changes in carotenoid status, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, skin and eye health measurements, and other biomarkers of health.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. English-literate and able to give informed consent in English
2. Male and female participants, aged between 21 and 59 inclusive
3. Healthy individuals with no underlying condition or on regular medication
4. BMI between 18.5-25 kg/m2
5. Mild to moderate severity of eczema, which will also be determined using our questionnaires during the screening visit

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant change in body weight (3 kg or more) in the past 3 months
2. Significant exercise pattern over the past 3 months defined as high-intensity exercise of more than 3 hours per week
3. Known food allergy to eggs
4. Taking dietary supplements which may impact the study results
5. Having gastrointestinal disorders not suitable for the study
6. Current smokers
7. Consumes more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day i.e. one drink is defined as either 150ml of wine, 340ml of beer/cider, or 45ml of distilled spirit
8. Taking lipid-lowering and blood pressure-controlling medications for less than 3 years
9. Pregnant or lactating women, or planning to conceive in the next 6 months
10. Unwilling to stop the medication of eczema during the study, either topical creams or oral medications
11. Hierarchical link (professional and familial ties) with the research team members
12. Participating in another clinical study
13. Having blindness in one eye or more, eye diseases, retinal/lens/optical nerve surgery, or other eye conditions that may impact the study results
14. Low-quality macular pigment optical density results were determined during the screening visit.