MONTREAL, May 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Burnbrae Farms, producers of Naturegg(TM)
products, today introduced Omega Pro(TM), the next generation in its
successful line of specialty shell eggs, which includes Naturegg(TM) Omega 3
eggs. Naturegg Omega Pro eggs contain significantly higher levels of DHA omega-
3 polyunsaturates and lutein, an antioxidant that research shows may help
protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of
vision loss among older adults.

"There's mounting evidence that suggests increasing lutein intakes can
promote eye health and protect against AMD," said Margaret Hudson, Co-owner of
Burnbrae Farms, a family-owned company. "Studies show that an intake of 6 mg
of lutein per day can make a difference in protecting against AMD. Most people
consume between 1 and 2 mg per day, resulting in a nutritional gap of 4 to
5 mg when it comes to lutein."

Lutein and AMD:

- Lutein is a natural pigment found in the macula of the eye, an area of
the retina responsible for central vision. Lutein filters damaging,
high-energy blue light from the visible light spectrum. AMD is a
degradation of the retina and macula.
- Among people aged 75 and older, more than 25 per cent have AMD. AMD
affects more than 30 million people worldwide, and is the leading cause
of blindness in people over 50.
- Our bodies don't produce lutein. It is found in high concentrations in
dark green vegetables, in starchy vegetables, fruits and in eggs.
- Eggs provide lutein in a form that is easier for the body to absorb
than from other sources. Our bodies absorb almost three times as much
lutein from eggs than from plant sources, resulting in greater
biological benefit from a lower intake of lutein.

Each Naturegg Omega Pro egg provides:

- A guaranteed level of 300 mcg of lutein, twice the amount found in a
large Naturegg Omega 3 egg.
- 400 mg of total omega-3 polyunsaturates, including 125 mg of
DHA omega-3 polyunsaturates, almost twice that of a Naturegg
Omega 3 egg. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid with a number of important
physiological benefits, including promoting the health of the brain,
nerves and eyes, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease.
Preliminary research also suggests DHA may protect against certain
types of cancer.

- 50 per cent of the Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin E.
- 75 per cent of the Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin B12.
- 30 per cent of the Recommended Daily Intake of folate (folic acid).

"It's a well-known fact that we can help maintain eye health by choosing
specific foods. Research indicates that some components such as lutein play an
important role in eye health. Lutein is found in foods such as kale, broccoli,
spinach, corn, green peas and shell eggs. Since eggs are versatile, tasty and
an excellent source of high-quality protein, there are many good reasons to
include them in a healthy, balanced diet", explains nutritionist Danielle
Lévesque.

Burnbrae Farms today also announced a partnership with the Canadian
National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) aimed at educating Canadian consumers
and health professionals about the role nutrition plays in eye health. The
partnership will include tips and consumer health information displayed on
packages of Naturegg Omega Pro eggs, as well as educational literature
providing the latest research on the eye health benefits related to lutein.

Naturegg Omega Pro eggs are produced naturally by hens fed a vitamin-
enriched ration including omega-3 oils, corn, alfalfa and marigold flower
extract to achieve increased levels of lutein, DHA omega-3, and other
nutrients.

About Burnbrae Farms

Burnbrae Farms is a Canadian-owned family business that has been
producing shell eggs and innovative egg products for more than 50 years. As
Canada's foremost egg producer, Burnbrae Farms has provided Canadian consumers
healthy/good-for-you egg products that include a full line of specialty shell
eggs (Naturegg(TM) Omega Pro(TM), Naturegg(TM) Omega 3, Free Run and Organic)
and healthy lifestyle liquid eggs (Naturegg(TM) Simply Egg Whites(TM), Break-
Free(TM), Break-Free(TM) Omega 3, and Egg Creations(TM)).