Saqmolo' Study

Study Overview

The Saqmolo’ Project was a large randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate whether adding one whole egg per day to standard nutrition care could improve infant development, growth and diet quality among rural Indigenous Mayan children in Guatemala. "Saqmolo'" means "egg" in Kaqchikel, the primary Mayan language spoken in the study region.

The study focused on the complementary feeding period, which is a critical stage beginning around 6 months of age when nutrition plays an important role in brain development, physical growth and long-term health. Conducted in partnership with Wuqu' Kawoq/Maya Health Alliance, the project served communities in central rural Guatemala where many children face high rates of stunting, anemia, food insecurity and limited dietary diversity.

Eggs were selected because they are locally available, nutrient-dense and provide high-quality protein. Eggs were also selected because they provide key nutrients that support early growth and neurodevelopment such as choline, iron, zinc, vitamin A and essential fatty acids.

The trial enrolled 1,200 infants who were 6 to 9 months old at baseline. Infants were randomly assigned to receive either the local standard nutrition care package alone or the same care package plus monthly deliveries of locally sourced eggs for six months.

Caregivers in the egg group received education on how to safely prepare and serve one egg per day, as well as recipes and guidance on the role of eggs in child development. All participants continued to receive standard Maya Health Alliance services growth such as monitoring, medical care, deworming medication when appropriate, micronutrient powders, and individualized complementary and responsive feeding education through home visits.

Researchers assessed child development, hemoglobin levels, growth indicators, nutritional status and diet quality. Overall, the Saqmolo' Project provided practical evidence on whether a simple, food-based intervention could improve early childhood nutrition and support healthier futures for children in Guatemala and other low-resource settings.

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Publications

• Effects of Eggs on Maya Child Development and Growth: The Saqmolo' Project Randomized Clinical Trial (Lancet Regional Health – Americas)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Research Network: The Saqmolo' Project Rationale and Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Influence of Daily Complementary Feeding of Eggs on Infant Development and Growth in Guatemala (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)