CLAIM: Eggs feed viruses and bacteria in the body and worsen chronic illnesses such as eczema, PCOS, and endometriosis

FACT: False. Eggs are a nutrient-rich food with no scientific link to promoting viruses or causing chronic illnesses

A health coach, Theo Bergmann claims in an Instagram video that eggs are the “most overrated health food,” alleging they feed pathogens like viruses and bacteria in the body, worsen chronic illnesses such as acne, eczema, endometriosis, and PCOS, and specifically “feed” the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), shingles virus, and strep bacteria. 

Bergmann’s website describes him as a health coach for business owners and professionals. His Instagram account has over 700,000 followers and multiple posts on diets, and lifestyle. 

The claims in question come from two reels on the Instagram channel. He further asserts that eggs are now “the worst food in the world” and should be avoided for health.

The first video posted on March 05, 2025 has more than 2,000 likes. The second video posted March 11, 2025 has over 60,000 likes.

He even goes on to give an explanation for his claims, and ends the first video saying, “it used to be a survival food when we didn’t have so many pathogens around but in the last 100 years that changed.  In the last 70 or 80 years,  the egg is the worst food in the world actually and that’s why everybody should avoid eggs in order to get healthy.”

What’s the fact?

Scientific consensus has always recognized eggs as a nutrient-dense food. Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins (including B2, B12, D, and A), minerals (such as selenium and iodine), and choline, which is important for brain health and metabolism.

As for pathogens and viruses, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eggs “feed” viruses or bacteria within the human body, including the Epstein-Barr Virus, shingles virus, or strep bacteria. The claim that dietary protein or nutrients from eggs directly promote the growth or proliferation of these pathogens lacks any credible  scientific basis. EBV, for instance, is transmitted primarily through saliva and persists in the body regardless of egg consumption. No peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that eating eggs worsens viral infections or chronic illnesses by “feeding” pathogens.

The assertion that eggs cause chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, acne, eczema, psoriasis, tinnitus, endometriosis, PCOS, or enlarged prostate is not supported by any scientific research. No clinical guidelines recommend avoiding eggs for these conditions unless a person has a specific allergy or intolerance.

Extensive research over the years has shown that moderate egg consumption is healthy for most people.

 Eggs remain a valuable part of a balanced diet for most individuals, and fears about eggs feeding pathogens or causing chronic illness are absolutely unfounded according to current research.

Also read: Fact Check: 10 Eggs a Day and Cholesterol- Myth Or Risk?