Pasteurized Eggs

Egg yolks are one of the best sources of cholesterol in food. There is some disagreement as to whether raw is better than cooked because cooking causes the egg to go through enzymatic changes. Thus it is thought that raw yolks are more easily absorbed by the body, but there is no scientific proof that it significantly affects cholesterol levels. Raw eggs carry the risk of salmonella poisoning, so it is essential that if giving raw eggs they are pasteurized. Pasteurized eggs come in many forms: regular shell eggs stamped for pasteurized, frozen, liquid, and even powdered.

Many families give their SLOS children egg yolk in some form whether they are also giving a cholesterol supplement or not. With shelled eggs, most families separate the white and remove the membrane from the yolk, especially if the child is fed via g-tube. It has been stated that 3 egg yolks a day is the maximum that should be given regardless of age or size based on the body's ability to absorb cholesterol.

Pasteurized eggs are not easy to come by in most areas. Some families have had luck with finding shelled or liquid varieties in the grocery stores, but for most families they have had to locate alternative sources.

These sources include:

• Sysco Distributors
• nursing homes
• hospitals
• restaurants
• cafeterias in the workplace

There are also various resources online; a few that SLOS parents have used are:
www.safeeggs.com (shelled eggs)
www.crystalfarms.com (shelled eggs)
www.michaelfoods.com/papettis.html (Gourmet Chef Liquid Egg Yolks)
www.kingarthurflour.com (powdered eggs)
www.oskyfoods.com (powdered or frozen eggs)

In the U.K. frozen egg yolk is available under the brand name Daylay from Parker Foods Ltd.

Please inform your doctor if you are giving egg as a treatment so they can track the benefits and adjust any cholesterol supplement prescriptions.