Chicken eggs are rich in high-quality protein, vitamins A, D, E, B12, choline, iron, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for a child's brain development, immune system, muscles, and height. Currently, there is no scientific evidence suggesting that eating eggs causes early puberty.

Chicken eggs are not a source of growth hormone for children. Growth hormone (GH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and promotes the body's growth and development; it is not a nutrient children need to supplement from food. Therefore, the notion that children absorb "growth hormone" from eggs and experience early puberty is inaccurate.

The puberty process is regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Sex hormones are produced by the body through a complex endocrine mechanism, independent of consuming a single food type. Thus, eating many eggs does not affect the onset of puberty.

Eggs are versatile and popular with children. Therefore, if parents restrict or remove eggs from their child's diet due to early puberty concerns, the child may lack high-quality protein and vital micronutrients for growth.

Children under one year should prioritize eating egg yolks, while older children can consume about 3-5 eggs each week.

Doctor Hang advises on child nutrition. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A child is diagnosed with early puberty when secondary sexual characteristics appear before the age of 8 in girls and before the age of 9 in boys, accompanied by changes in sex hormones. This condition can affect psychology, reduce adult height, and increase the risk of certain metabolic disorders if not treated promptly.

Overweight and obesity are recognized factors linked to early puberty in children. Adipose tissue stores energy and secretes the hormone leptin. When leptin levels reach a certain threshold, it activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes, signaling the body to begin puberty, especially in girls. Diets high in fast food, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, contribute to this increased risk.

Some children experience early puberty due to medical conditions like brain tumors, hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities, ovarian tumors, or testicular tumors. Additionally, genetic factors and frequent exposure to endocrine-disrupting environmental toxins (such as phthalates in low-quality plastics, BPA) are also linked to the timing of puberty.

Parents should ensure children eat eggs alongside fish, meat, milk, shrimp, beans, and nuts. At the same time, children should maintain a healthy weight, increase physical activity, and get enough sleep.

If a child exhibits signs such as early breast development, pubic or armpit hair growth before the appropriate age, or an abnormal growth spurt, parents should take them for a medical examination. The doctor will assess bone age, measure hormone levels, and order necessary tests to determine the cause and provide comprehensive treatment.

Master, Doctor Hoang Thi Hang

Department of Nutrition

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi