How can a hen’s diet change the fatty acids in its eggs?

A hen’s diet directly influences the fatty acid profile of its eggs. By modifying what a hen consumes, producers can alter the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the yolk.1

Specifically, processors can increase the concentration of beneficial, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids by incorporating fish oil into the hen's feed. These fatty acids are valued for their role in normal growth and development, as well as their potential in disease prevention. Through such dietary adjustments, the egg industry is able to market products with improved nutritional profiles.1