Nuchia Foods Corporation

Fat and fatty acid content –chia⁴, marine algae, fish, fish oil, and vegetable oil have been added to chicken feeds to increase the omega-3 fatty acid content in the egg yolk

University of Florida - Altering the total fat content in the diet of the hen has little effect on the total fat content of the egg yolk. However, the fatty acid profile (or the ratios of the different types of fatty acids) of egg yolk lipid can easily be changed, simply by changing the type of fat used in the diet.

Consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids has been reported to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and stroke. Consumption of these fatty acids has also been shown to promote infant growth.

Different feeds, such as flaxseed (linseed), safflower oil, perilla oils³, chia⁴, marine algae, fish, fish oil, and vegetable oil have been added to chicken feeds to increase the omega-3 fatty acid content in the egg yolk. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich eggs may provide an alternative food source for enhancing consumer intake of these ‘healthy’ fatty acids. Evaluation of the eggs during storage indicates that the shelf life of the enriched eggs was comparable to that of typical eggs.

Many omega-3 fatty acid-enhanced eggs are available in the U.S. market under various brand names such as Gold Circle Farms, EggPlus, and the Country Hen Better Eggs. Omega-3 fatty acid-enriched eggs taste and cook like any other chicken eggs available in the grocery store. However, they typically have a darker yellow yolk.

There are also designer eggs on the market that contain a lowered saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio. Canola oil is commonly used to alter the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids. Tampa Farm Services produces an egg said to contain 25% less saturated fat than regular eggs. (more…)