Egg Consumption and Bone Mass Density among the Elderly: A Scoping Review

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionEggs offer a range of essential nutrients that could potentially support skeletal health as individuals age. Maintaining bone density is crucial for reducing the risk of fractures and improving overall mobility and quality of life in later years. Understanding the potential benefits of habitual egg consumption on bone mass density among older people is essential, given that the natural decline in bone mass density occurs with age. This area of research has not garnered sufficient attention basically because of the mixed reactions and conflicting reports about the safety of egg consumption especially among the elderly hence the scoping review aims to systematically examine the existing literature to map the evidence regarding the association between habitual egg consumption and bone mass density in elderly individuals.MethodologyThe scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. Five electronic databases were searched for published pieces of literature. The review included letters, reviews, observational studies, and experimental studies, while the exclusion criteria were books, grey literature, and publications not in English.ResultsOut of an initial 315 studies found across five databases, 27 duplicates were removed. After screening, 283 studies were excluded as they did not meet the study eligibility criteria. Only two studies were finally included in the review, with two excluded due to focusing on eggshell powder’s impact on elderly bone mass and one involving children.ConclusionLimited research on the link between egg consumption and bone mass density in the elderly highlights the need for further investigation. Concerns about cholesterol have overshadowed potential benefits. Given aging populations and bone health challenges, exploring eggs’ role in preventing falls and fractures is essential for a proactive approach to elderly well-being.