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Rachel V Thomas

Mid-Day Meal Row In India: Doctors Explain Why Eggs Matter For Children's Growth And Development

While India has made progress on several child and maternal health indicators, the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) shows that nearly one in five children in the country suffer from wasting (acute malnutrition).

The survey also found that stunting among children under five declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, but nearly three in every 10 children remain stunted. Meanwhile, 31.8% of children are underweight, while 5.2% continue to suffer from severe wasting, highlighting the country's persistent burden of child undernutrition.

Several states, including most recently West Bengal, continue to debate whether eggs should be included in school mid-day meals, with cultural, ideological, and dietary preferences often influencing decisions that could affect children's nutrition.

The number of states serving eggs under the scheme has also declined over the past decade. In 2025–26, only 13 states provided eggs to schoolchildren, down from 16 states in 2015–16, according to a Moneycontrol report. As a result, just over one-third of states now include eggs in their mid-day meal menus, compared with 44% a decade ago.

Amid the debate, HealthandMe spoke to doctors and nutrition experts, who warned against removing eggs from mid-day meal schemes, and noted that eggs remain one of the most affordable and nutrient-rich foods for growing children.

<h2>Eggs: An Ideal Food For Growing Children</h2>

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, told HealthandMe that eggs are close to an ideal nutritional choice for growing children because they are readily available, economical, easy to prepare, and safe.

"Besides, children love eggs—many of them prefer this to alternative sources of protein," he said.

He added that “egg protein is excellent not only because it contains all essential amino acids—the building blocks of the body—but also because the body can utilize egg protein efficiently after absorption”.

"Many children get their most nutritious meal from school, and eggs are a good choice to be a part of it," he said.

According to Dr. Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, eggs are among the most affordable and nutrient-dense foods, providing high-quality protein along with essential nutrients such as choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and selenium.

"These nutrients are particularly important during childhood, when the brain and body are growing rapidly. For many children who rely on mid-day meals as a significant source of daily nutrition, an egg can bridge critical nutritional gaps and support healthy growth, cognitive development and immunity," he told HealthandMe.

Dr. Singh added that removing eggs from school meals without ensuring an equally nutritious alternative may increase the risk of protein and micronutrient deficiencies, especially among vulnerable populations.

"Investing in children's nutrition is an investment in the nation's future. Policies around school meals should be guided by scientific evidence and nutritional needs, ensuring every child has access to balanced, wholesome food that helps them reach their full potential," he said.

<h2>Why Eggs Are Considered A Nutritional Powerhouse </h2>

Priyanka Arora, Senior Dietician at SGRH, told HealthandMe that eggs are considered a nutritional powerhouse, offering a highly bioavailable source of complete protein, healthy fats and essential micronutrients.

<h3>Key nutritional benefits of eggs: </h3>

<ul><li>Nutritional powerhouse: Eggs provide a highly bioavailable source of complete protein, healthy fats and essential micronutrients. </li><li>High-quality protein: One large egg contains about 6–7 grams of protein and all nine essential amino acids, making it important for muscle growth and repair. </li><li>Supports brain health: Eggs are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient essential for memory, cognitive function and liver health. </li><li>Promotes eye health: Egg yolks are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against age-related eye conditions such as cataracts. </li><li>Rich in essential nutrients: Eggs contain vitamins A, D, B12 and riboflavin, along with essential minerals such as selenium, iron and iodine. </li><li>Affordable and versatile: Eggs are among the most budget-friendly sources of high-quality animal protein and can be easily prepared in various ways, including boiled, poached, scrambled or baked. </li></ul>

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While India has made progress on several child and maternal health indicators, the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) shows that nearly one in five children in the country suffer from wasting (acute malnutrition). The survey also found that stunting among children under five declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, but nearly three in every 10 children remain stunted. Meanwhile, 31.8% of children are underweight, while 5.2% continue to suffer from severe wasting, highlighting the country's persistent burden of child undernutrition. Several states, including most recently West Bengal, continue to debate whether eggs should be included in school mid-day meals, with cultural, ideological, and dietary preferences often influencing decisions that could affect children's nutrition. The number of states serving eggs under the scheme has also declined over the past decade. In 2025–26, only 13 states provided eggs to schoolchildren, down from 16 states in 2015–16, according to a Moneycontrol report. As a result, just over one-third of states now include eggs in their mid-day meal menus, compared with 44% a decade ago. Amid the debate, HealthandMe spoke to doctors and nutrition experts, who warned against removing eggs from mid-day meal schemes, and noted that eggs remain one of the most affordable and nutrient-rich foods for growing children. Eggs: An Ideal Food For Growing Children Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, told HealthandMe that eggs are close to an ideal nutritional choice for growing children because they are readily available, economical, easy to prepare, and safe. "Besides, children love eggs—many of them prefer this to alternative sources of protein," he said. He added that “egg protein is excellent not only because it contains all essential amino acids—the building blocks of the body—but also because the body can utilize egg protein efficiently after absorption”. "Many children get their most nutritious meal from school, and eggs are a good choice to be a part of it," he said. According to Dr. Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, eggs are among the most affordable and nutrient-dense foods, providing high-quality protein along with essential nutrients such as choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and selenium. "These nutrients are particularly important during childhood, when the brain and body are growing rapidly. For many children who rely on mid-day meals as a significant source of daily nutrition, an egg can bridge critical nutritional gaps and support healthy growth, cognitive development and immunity," he told HealthandMe. Dr. Singh added that removing eggs from school meals without ensuring an equally nutritious alternative may increase the risk of protein and micronutrient deficiencies, especially among vulnerable populations. "Investing in children's nutrition is an investment in the nation's future. Policies around school meals should be guided by scientific evidence and nutritional needs, ensuring every child has access to balanced, wholesome food that helps them reach their full potential," he said. Why Eggs Are Considered A Nutritional Powerhouse Priyanka Arora, Senior Dietician at SGRH, told HealthandMe that eggs are considered a nutritional powerhouse, offering a highly bioavailable source of complete protein, healthy fats and essential micronutrients. Key nutritional benefits of eggs: Nutritional powerhouse: Eggs provide a highly bioavailable source of complete protein, healthy fats and essential micronutrients. High-quality protein: One large egg contains about 6–7 grams of protein and all nine essential amino acids, making it important for muscle growth and repair. Supports brain health: Eggs are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient essential for memory, cognitive function and liver health. Promotes eye health: Egg yolks are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against age-related eye conditions such as cataracts. Rich in essential nutrients: Eggs contain vitamins A, D, B12 and riboflavin, along with essential minerals such as selenium, iron and iodine. Affordable and versatile: Eggs are among the most budget-friendly sources of high-quality animal protein and can be easily prepared in various ways, including boiled, poached, scrambled or baked. 

mid-day meal row in india: doctors explain why eggs matter for children's growth and development

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